JUPITER – The Fort Myers Miracle couldn’t get their offense in gear Thursday morning managing just seven singles in a 5-2 loss to the Palm Beach Cardinals.

Cardinals starter Maikel Cleto (1-0) was terrific, giving up one unearned run in seven strong innings for the win. He struck out six for his first decision of the year.

Miracle starter Kane Holbrooks (0-4) took another tough decision, allowing three runs (one earned) in six innings. He has the lowest ERA among Mirtacle starters at 2.43.

Cardinals first baseman Xavier Scruggs got the scoring started in the second with a solo home run to deep left-center field. The Miracle got the run right back in the next half-inning. Reggie Williams led off the third with a single, then advanced to second as Cleto threw wild to first trying to pick him off. James Beresford followed with a two-out RBI single to center to tie the game 1-1.

The Cardinals pulled away with two runs in the fourth. After a pair of singles to open the inning, Ronald Ramirez dropped a bunt down to the mound. Holbrooks tried to get the lead runner at third, but threw it away. That allowed Ryde Rodriguez to score, then set up a sac-fly by Travis Tartamella to open a 3-1 lead.

Shooter Hunt took over in the seventh and gave up two runs on three hits before pitching a 1-2-3 eighth.

Trailing 5-1 in the ninth, the Miracle rallied. With reliever Chase Reid on the mound, the Miracle got a leadoff walk to Nate Hanson and singles by Danny Rams and Anderson Hidalgo to load the bases. Steve Liddle drove in one run with a sac-fly to center, but Ramon Santana struck out to end the game.

Hidalgo finished a team-best 3-for-4 and Beresford at 2-for-4.

The Cardinals (7-14) have won two straight for the first time this season.

The Miracle (11-10) look to avoid the sweep at 6:35 p.m. Friday in the series finale. Left-hander Dan Osterbrock (1-0, 3.38) will start for the Miracle.