The Miami Marlins began their final series of the season with a 7-4 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday.
This represented Miami's first road win since the untimely death of ace Jose Fernandez. The Marlins had lost two games in a row following an emotional win on Monday at home. Much like the previous three games, Miami paid tribute to Fernandez at the start of the game.
Before the first pitch, the Nationals and Marlins lined up on the field. A short tribute to Fernandez played on the video screen and a #16 was shown on the dugout mound. The number which was worn by Fernandez remained on the mound for the game.
Friday's game started after a rain delay that lasted more than an hour and a half. Once the game got going, there were no further delays or issues with the weather. By waiting the rain out, both teams were able to go with their intended starting pitchers and not turn to the bullpen early.
In his likely final start as a Marlin, Andrew Cashner had another poor outing. The veteran allowed four runs on seven hits in his four innings of work. Cashner did not find much success since coming over in a trade, and will likely depart the team during free agency.
The pen did a tremendous job of keeping the Nationals off the scoreboard with five hit-less innings. Washington only reached base one time and that was via a ninth inning walk from A.J. Ramos. Miami's closer struck out the side however to give him 40 saves on the year.
On Saturday, Wei-Yin Chen will start for the last time this year in a game that will get underway at 4:05 p.m.
