Fernandez Performs a Beat Down of Rockies Offense, Marlins Win 3-0

Aug 21, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Jose Fernandez led the Marlins to a 3-0 victory on Legends of Wrestling Night at Marlins Ballpark, which would provide a lot of great puns if I knew anything about wrestling.

Though he didn’t quite flirt with the no-hitter that was predicted in our Series Preview, Fernandez did give up just 4 hits to two players as the Marlins rolled to victory. The home team had just 4 hits as well, but made theirs count more as Rockies starter Jeff Manship remained winless on the year.

First, we’ll talk about Fernandez, who turned in yet another masterful performance in his quest to win a Rookie of the Year award despite a team-imposed innings count. Fernandez threw 7 scoreless innings, with Michael Cuddyer and Todd Helton the only two Rockies who could figure out how to get a hit off of the young stud. He struck out 8 and didn’t issue a walk, needing just 97 pitches to complete the 7 frames. By the end of his 7 innings, Fernandez had lowered his ERA to 2.30, good for 3rd in the Majors behind fellow All-Stars Matt Harvey and Clayton Kershaw. His WHIP of 1.00 comes in 4th behind Harvey, Kershaw, and Max Scherzer, he of the 19-1 record. His WAR of 5.2 places him behind Harvey, Kershaw and Adam Wainwright. You get the picture – he’s really good.

A.J. Ramos and Steve Cishek finished what Fernandez started. Both relievers pitched perfect innings, each striking out 1. Cishek’s save was his 23rd straight conversion, the third-longest streak in the league.

The Marlins offense didn’t really get it going either, with the exception of the 4th inning. Giancarlo Stanton doubled, and Ed Lucas drove him in with a single. Adeiny Hechavarria plated Lucas with an RBI triple, and Jake Marisnick followed with a sac fly to make the score 3-0. It would remain that way for the rest of the game.

Up next: Jorge de la Rosa and Jacob Turner face off at 1:10 PM in the last meeting of 2013 for the 1993 expansion teams.