The Miami Marlins could not have asked for more from Jose Fernandez on Thursday when he helped his team beat the San Francisco Giants 5-4.
After missing 13 months due to Tommy John surgery, Fernandez brought excitement to the mound and the plate at Marlins Park. The right-hander hit a home run, while also picking up a quality start. The victory completed a series sweep for the Marlins over the defending World Series champions.
Things started a little slow for Fernandez statistically, and that may have been due to him being very excited for the start. Noticeably jittery, Fernandez gave up two runs in the first inning while also hitting 99 MPH on the radar gun once. The 22-year old would settle in more after that and only allow one additional run in the next five frames.
In all, Fernandez struck out six and allowed seven hits to go along with the three earned runs. While he was not at his best, Fernandez showed glimpses of the dominant pitcher that the Marlins lost over a year ago. The important thing for Miami was an exceptional amount of command as Fernandez walked none. Often with Tommy John surgery, pitchers struggle to regain their command.
Fernandez's home run came in the fifth inning off Matt Cain. Interestingly, Fernandez was also the last Marlins' pitcher to hit a blast despite missing a year. That previous home run came in the latter part of the 2013 season against the Atlanta Braves.
Helping to support Fernandez in his quest for a win was Justin Bour. The hulking first baseman went deep for a third straight game. Bour hit a three-run shot in this one, which gives him two of those in as many days. Bour now has nine home runs this season and will likely remain in the lineup even when Michael Morse returns.
In the eighth inning, Carter Capps expierenced a rare moment of trouble when he allowed a solo home run. Capps had been on a stretch of nine straight scoreless innings prior to the run. The fireballer still left the inning with his team ahead to earn a hold.
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A.J. Ramos entered in the ninth and slammed the door for the 12th time this season with a perfect inning.
The Marlins will head to Wrigley Field for a weekend series against the Chicago Cubs that will begin on Friday. Tom Koehler is set to make the start for Miami.
