The Miami Marlins received a vintage start from Jose Fernandez in their 2-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday.
Fernandez gave Miami seven shutout innings in which he struck out nine and walked none. It was only the ace's second start back, and he looked as dominant as ever. Fernandez allowed six hits and threw only 94 pitches in an efficient outing.
Fernandez set a Major League Baseball record with the win as it gave him 22 straight home starts to open career without a loss.
In his final inning of work, Fernandez ran into a little trouble which could have prevented him from going for an eighth inning. The right-hander would battle out of the jam with an inning-ending double play.
Carter Capps and A.J. Ramos worked the final two innings to preserve the win for Fernandez. The Marlins' ace is now 2-0 on the season with a 2.08 E.R.A. It remains to be seen where Miami will slot Fernandez in the rotation following the All-Star Game.
The Marlins received an electrifying day from Dee Gordon who was 2-3 with two runs scored and a walk. Gordon who is headed to the All-Star Game next week also swiped three bases. Gordon now has 33 steals on the year which only trails Billy Hamilton of the Reds.
With Michael Morse in left field, first base remained Justin Bour's position. The first baseman continued to be a key for Miami's offense with a run-scoring double. Bour also walked and is now hitting .258 this season.
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The Marlins will send David Phelps to the mound on Friday as the right-hander makes his return to the starting rotation.
