Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez struck out 11 Washington Nationals in his team's 5-1 win on Sunday.
The win gave Miami a split in the four-game series against Washington. The Marlins remain in fourth place in the National League East, but are only 2.5 games back of Washington.
Fernandez needed to give Miami a strong long start due to a tired bullpen, and he did just that. The right-hander was on the mound for seven innings and only allowed one run on four hits. Fernandez walked three and three a career-high 117 pitches.
Not only did Fernandez pitch well, but he helped himself at the plate as well. Miami's starter picked up a two-run single after Adeiny Hechavarria was intentionally walked in front of him. Fernandez also had two perfectly placed sacrifice bunts earlier in the game.
Giancarlo Stanton homered for the 11th time this season, and it was a welcome sight for Miami. Not only has Stanton been in a slump lately, but prior to the HR he was involved in a collision. Stanton and Marcell Ozuna collided while going for a flyball and were down for a couple of minutes. Both players remained in the game following the collision.
Miami will begin a series with the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday with Adam Conley making the start.
