Nationals Defeat Jose Fernandez, Marlins (Grades)

Apr 16, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) is unable to catch a foul ball during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Nationals 6, Miami Marlins 3

Recap (link coming soon) | Box Score

Jose Fernandez, SP: B+

7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 SO

The old saying goes, “when you play with fire, you get burnt.” That’s what happened to Fernandez on Wednesday, as he was far too dependent on flyball outs to get through the start. The 10 strikeouts made up for a lot of those, but Fernandez could not keep Jayson Werth in the park.

Giancarlo Stanton, RF: D+

0-for-4, SO

The theme for the Marlins recent struggles has seemed to be that other teams cash in when the Marlins miss opportunities. Such was the case in the bottom of the fifth, when Stanton struck out with Marcell Ozuna standing on third base with one out. Stanton driving in Ozuna would have extended the Marlins lead to 4-0, instead the Marlins saw the lead dissipate the next half inning.

Derek Dietrich, 2B: A 

1-for-4, HR (3), R, 3 RBI, 2 SO

Dietrich’s three-run shot in the fourth inning gave the Marlins a 3-0 lead and seemed to put the team in prime position to take the series from their divisional foes. After Dietrich’s hot start, the Marlins may have a grievance on their hands if they demote Dietrich when Rafael Furcal returns.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C: F

Salty had the worst game of his young Marlins career, and hopefully there aren’t many like this ahead. He dropped a crucial popup in the sixth inning and made a boneheaded throwing decision, that put Fernandez in a tough situation. Fernandez almost battled through it, but then Werth happened.

Marlins: C+

Overall, this was a game that got away from the Marlins. They had a 3-0 advantage with Jose Fernandez on the mound. However, the team failed to capitalize on chances to pad their lead. Once the Nationals got to Fernandez, the Marlins offense could not get anything going to keep them in the game. Mike Dunn and A.J. Ramos ensured the Marlins had no chance to win this one with their pitching performances.