Jose Fernandez went eight strong innings in a 9-0 win by the Miami Marlins on Tuesday over the Atlanta Braves.
Fernandez threw 98 pitches in the eight innings and looked strong enough to try for his first career complete game but the large lead likely ended his day. Manager Mike Redmond opted to pinch-hit for Fernandez in the eighth after the ace struck out the side in the top half of the inning. Fernandez struck out eight and walked two while only allowing two hits in the eight shutout innings. The right-hander lowered his E.R.A. to 1.59 while improving to 4-1 on the year. Carlos Marmol pitched the ninth to complete the shutout for Miami.
The Marlins hit two home runs in the game with Jarrod Saltalamacchia hitting his fifth of the year and third in four games. Giancarlo Stanton added his eighth of the year and also now has 31 RBI which is the most in Marlins history prior to May 1st. Saltalamacchia also doubled as part of a three hit day for the catcher. Ed Lucas also had a three-hit game in his first game of the year after being activated from the disabled list earlier in the day. Every member of the lineup including Fernandez had at least one hit except for Casey McGehee who was 0-3 on the day.
Before the game, the Marlins designated Greg Dobbs for assignment to make room for Lucas. Dobbs will be released in 10 days if he goes unclaimed in the meantime. Lucas will serve in a utility role for the Marlins at every infield position and should see a lot of playing time.
Miami will look to make it two wins in a row on Wednesday when Nathan Eovaldi is scheduled to start.
