The Miami Marlins beat the St. Louis Cardinals by a final score of 4-2 on Sunday in a game started by Jose Fernandez.
Miami's ace struck out six across 3.2 innings while coming away with a no-decision. Fernandez was not at his best as he walked three and also allowed two runs on five hits. With one spring start remaining, Fernandez has a 5.02 E.R.A and is on target to start Miami's second game of the regular season.
Competing for a role in the bullpen meant seeing action in this one. The Marlins gave time on the mound to pen hopefuls Cody Ege, Jose Urena, Brad Hand and Nefi Ogando. Hand has had one of the worst springs for Miami and was limited in this one. After walking the lead-off man, the veteran lefty retired his next batter on a ground out. Hand's issue this spring has been control and another walk may not have helped matters.
Miami also gave some time to its closer A.J. Ramos albeit not in a save situation. Ramos pitched early in the game to make sure he faced major league competition. The closer ended up allowing two hits and a walk in his one inning of work. Ramos has been limited this spring and is still showing some signs of rust.
Marcell Ozuna's torrid spring continued with his first triple. Miami's center fielder is hitting .371 this year and is expected to hit second on a daily basis. With Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton behind him, Ozuna should have plenty of run-scoring chances.
Stanton meanwhile may have to be concerned about seeing pitches to hit. The slugger was walked three times in this game including once intentionally. This could be the norm this season as Miami lacks proper protection for Stanton in the lineup. Teams will opt to pitch to Martin Prado or Justin Bour if given the choice over Stanton on most occasions.
The Marlins will travel to Viera on Monday to take on the Washington Nationals. Chris Narveson is slated to start for Miami.
