Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez started strong before struggling in a 6-5 loss to the New York Mets on Thursday.
Fernandez struck out four of the first six hitters he faced and had a perfect game through two innings. The wheels would come off in the third inning however and Fernandez would end up lasting 3.2 innings. In those frames, the right-hander was charged with six earned runs on five hits and a pair of walks.
Fernandez added two more strikeouts before his day was done to give him a solid six in the game. It is a good sign for a power pitcher to compile strikeouts early in the spring, as those high totals often don't come as swiftly. On the worrisome side is Fernandez's ballooning 9.53 E.R.A thus far. While, its possible the right-hander is simply working on his craft, Miami would like to see some better results with the season nearing.
This marked the third time in less than a week that the Mets came into Roger Dean Stadium and left with a win. It was also the Marlins' fourth straight loss overall, as the team fell to 5-9 in the Grapefruit League.
There was positive news offensively for Miami as Giancarlo Stanton doubled for the second time this spring. Stanton went 1-2 and is continuing to try and get his swing in order after missing time. The right-fielder laced a pitch from Mets' starter Jacob deGrom with a reported exit velocity of 117 miles per hour. With one of the hardest swings in the game, Stanton has the ability to make solid contact on any pitch he sees.
Robert Andino who is in camp trying to land a spot on the bench also doubled. The former Florida Marlins' infielder has had a decent spring so far, but it may not be enough as he faces tough competition. Andino could end up being sent to AAA to serve as depth before March comes to a close.
The Marlins will take a trip to Lake Buena Vista on Friday for a game against the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 p.m.
