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Behind a dominant performance from Jose Fernandez, the Miami Marlins shutout the Atlanta Braves 9-0 on Tuesday. Fernandez pitched eight innings giving up two hits, and striking out eight, while picking up his fourth win of the season. Fernandez’s earned run average is now 1.59 which ranks him fifth in the National League and he has 55 strikeouts on the season which is the best mark in Major League Baseball. Fernandez gave credit to catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia for calling a great game.
“He’s been amazing, he’s been incredible, and it’s something when he’s behind the plate doing great, he’s calling some good pitches, and it’s just fun,” Fernandez said. “We started in spring training and our relationship was really good, so it’s trying to follow what he wants and hopefully do something out there, he’s been amazing.”
The Marlins offense generated 13 hits, and hit two home runs including Giancarlo Stanton’s eighth of the season; his eight homers are tied for first in the National League and he leads the NL with 31 runs batted in on the season. Saltalamacchia added his fifth home run of the season in the seventh inning.
On the other side, Braves starting pitcher Alex Wood struggled in his five innings of work, as he gave up seven runs on 10 hits. Wood’s showdown with Fernandez was different this time around, as last week Wood pitched eight innings and struck out a career high 11 batters.
The Marlins and Braves will continue their series Wednesday as Atlanta will send out Aaron Harang who leads baseball with a 0.85 ERA, while Miami will counter with Nate Eovaldi.
In AL East action, the Tampa Bay Rays were defeated by the Boston Red Sox 7-4. It was Tampa Bay’s sixth loss in their last seven games. Starting pitcher Erik Bedard gave up one run in five innings of work, but the Rays bullpen continued their struggles as they gave up six runs in four innings of relief of Bedard.
Boston used a strong pitching performance from John Lackey who pitched eight innings, giving up six hits, while giving up two runs. The Red Sox used a five run sixth inning to take a 6-1 lead.
The Rays will look to end their losing skid as they continue the series against Boston Wednesday. Tampa will send out Chris Archer, and the Red Sox will send out Felix Doubront to pitch.
In other action around the league:
Robinson Cano made his return to Yankee Stadium Tuesday for the first time since signing a 10 year $240 million dollar contract. As expected, Cano was booed by the Yankee crowd, but Cano and his team got the last laugh, as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Yankees 6-3. Cano finished the game 1-5 with an RBI groundout. Former Florida Gator Mike Zunino had a big game as he went 4-5 with a RBI.
The New York Mets used a strong performance from starting pitcher Jonathon Niese to defeat the Phillies 6-1. The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-2, behind three hits from leadoff speedster Billy Hamilton. The Oakland Athletics continued their great start on the road as they defeated the Texas Rangers 9-3. The A’s are now 11-4 on the road to start off the season.
The Detroit Tigers’ bullpen took care of the Chicago White Sox 4-3. Joba Chamberlain picked up his win of the season in relief of Justin Verlander who pitched seven strong innings. It was an offensive explosion in Kansas City as the Royals defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 10-7. Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista hit his eighth home run of the season. Royals catcher Salvador Perez had a career high four RBIs in the game, as he went 2-4 with a home run.
The Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros 4-3, the Milwaukee Brewers continued their torrid start to the year as they defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 in 11 innings. The Colorado Rockies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-4, the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Cleveland Indians 6-4, and the San Francisco Giants blanked the San Diego Padres 6-0
Two games were postponed due to weather. The Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates game will be made up on Thursday, May 1. While the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins will have a split double-header on Thursday.
For audio click below:
BernsteinFNN (Marlins Radio Call)
StaatsFNN (Rays Radio Call)
