The Miami Marlins received big contributions from Ichiro Suzuki and Jose Fernandez in their 3-2 win on Saturday over the Washington Nationals.
Suzuki had four hits and reached base all five times he came to the plate. It was the first four-hit game for the veteran since last August, and it put Suzuki only 46 hits away from 3,000 hits in his career. The All-Star was making a spot start for Christian Yelich who was scratched before the game with back spasms.
It is likely that Suzuki will be in the lineup again on Sunday as Yelich is considered day-to-day. The outfielder could also fill in for a slumping Giancarlo Stanton if needed. In limited action this year, Suzuki is hitting .373 with an OPS of .879.
Fernandez struck out nine across six strong innings. The ace allowed four hits, a run and one walk. On the year, Fernandez is now 6-2 with a 3.02 E.R.A as he leads the pitching staff once again.
Stanton's struggles continued with an 0-3 day that featured three more strikeouts. Stanton is now 0 for his last 17 with 15 strikeouts in the stretch. The slugger has looked lost at the plate and his average on the season is down to .210. It has been one of the worst stretches of Stanton's career and it would not be a surprise if he receives a day off soon.
Justin Bour helped Miami's efforts with a two-run home run which ended up being the game-winner. Bour's eighth home run of the season came in the sixth inning and put Miami on top for good. The first baseman now has 21 runs batted in this year.
The Marlins can win the series on Sunday when they send Adam Conley to the mound to oppose the Nationals.
