Jose Fernandez goes 7 innings to help Marlins beat Reds 2-0
MIAMI (AP) -- Jose Fernandez pitched seven innings and tied the modern record for most consecutive home victories by a starter to begin a career, helping the Miami Marlins beat the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 Thursday.
Fernandez won for the second time in two outings since his return from Tommy John surgery. He allowed six hits, struck out nine and improved to 14-0 in 22 career starts at Marlins Park.
The only other pitcher since 1914 to win his first 14 home decisions as a starter was Johnny Allen of the Yankees in 1932-33, according to STATS. Fernandez lowered his ERA at home to 1.17.
All-Star Dee Gordon stole three bases, scored both runs and broke the Marlins record for hits before the All-Star break with 119. Miami snapped a four-game losing streak.
Michael Lorenzen (3-4), whose outing was delayed a day when the Reds were rained out Wednesday at Washington, went six innings and allowed two runs -- too many against Fernandez.
Working on six days' rest, Fernandez faced his biggest jam when he allowed singles by Marlon Byrd and Eugenio Suarez on consecutive pitches in the seventh. Tucker Barnhart then grounded into a double play, ending the inning and Fernandez's night.
Fernandez, who threw 94 pitches, was still reaching 96 mph in the seventh and mixed in lots of off-speed stuff. He walked none and has yet to walk a batter in 13 innings this season.
A.J. Ramos pitched around a leadoff double by Joey Votto in the ninth to earn his 14th save in 17 chances. All-Star Todd Frazier flied out to the warning track and kicked the turf in disgust. Jay Bruce then struck out, and Byrd popped out.
Ramos lowered his ERA to 1.13.
Gordon singled in the first, stole second and third and came home on a two-out, 415-foot double by Justin Bour. Gordon singled again to start the fifth, advanced on a walk, stole third and came home on a double play groundout to make it 2-0.
The Marlins totaled five hits and won despite going 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Marlins 3B Martin Prado (shoulder), who has played in two games on a rehab assignment, said he thinks he's about a week away from rejoining the team.
UP NEXT
RHP David Phelps (4-4, 4.03), back in the Marlins' rotation after a brief bullpen stint, is scheduled to start Friday against RHP Mike Leake (5-5, 4.39).
