Miami Marlins defeat Washington Nationals handedly behind Jose Fernandez
Aug 21, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher
Jose Fernandezbefore a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Marlins played as close to a complete game as they have all year tonight in their 7-0 win against the Washington Nationals in Miami.
The game started with a rarity in the bottom of the first as the Marlins pushed across 3 runs with
Giancarlo Stantonnotching 2 RBI’s on a single into centerfield.
Logan Morrisonadded 2 more runs in the bottom of the 3rd when he hit an absolute blast into the right field seats with one on. That hit helped seal the fate of Washington’s starting pitcher
Dan Harenwho struggled on the night.
Miami wasn’t done with the homeruns yet, as Stanton took a turn when he hit a bomb into left center for a solo shot in the 8th inning. The homerun was something of an omen as the Marlins moved to 4-0 in games that
Jose Fernandezpitches in and Stanton hits a homerun.
The real story on the night though was Jose Fernandez. The leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year award threw 7 stunning innings allowing only 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 9. He took a no hitter into the 5th inning before allowing a swinging bunt up the third base line for the lone hit.
The bullpen pitched a clean 8th and 9th to complete the shutout. Fernandez lowered his ERA to 2.23 on the year, and if that wasn’t enough he actually had as many hits as the entire Nationals team on the night, matching their total with 2 singles of his own.
This night should provide some separation between Jose and Yasiel Puig in the rookie of the year race. Fernandez’s performance was as dominant as we have seen from a rookie this year. If he doesn’t win the ROY then it will be a travesty.
It was a complete effort on the evening. The power hitters delivered home runs, the on base guys actually made it on base, Jose was fantastic, and the bullpen finished up. Lets hope that there are more games like this to come.
Go Fish!