Miami, FL – Jose Fernandez threw eight shutout innings and the Miami Marlins blanked the San Diego Padres, 4-0, in the finale of a four- game series at Marlins Park.
Fernandez (5-4) had 10 strikeouts and allowed just two hits and a walk in his outing.
It's been an impressive year for the 20-year-old rookie. Prior to the season, he had never played a game above High-A Jupiter. He was invited to spring training but the Marlins sent him to minor league camp before the season began. However, he was added to the 25-man Opening Day roster.
Since then, Fernandez has compiled a 2.72 earned run average. He's also allowed just two earned runs or less in each of his last six starts.
"I just wanted to go out there. I like to compete," said Fernandez. "It just feels amazing to be a part of the win. Right now, it's fun. Coming here every day, it's amazing. I'm enjoying every little bit of it."
Jeff Mathis had a three-RBI double and Marcell Ozuna drove in one run for the Marlins, who have won six of their last seven games.
Jason Marquis (9-4) gave up four unearned runs on five hits and seven walks over 6 1/3 innings for the Padres, who have lost five of six.
"Well, he (Marquis) hung in there," said Padres manager Bud Black. "That was a game where it's pretty typical of Jason's performance. He hung in there ... he gave us a chance to win through part of the game. We just couldn't muster anything out there."
Neither team had much success offensively until the Marlins scored all of their runs in the sixth.
With two on and one out, Ozuna delivered an RBI single to right center and just beat the throw reaching to second. Derek Dietrich was intentionally walked, loading the bases.
Following a strikeout by Adeiny Hechavarria, Mathis ripped a two-out, bases- clearing double over the head of Carlos Quentin and off the left field wall.
After that, it was all Fernandez. The last hit he allowed was a two-out single to Kyle Blanks in the seventh.
In the ninth, A.J. Ramos came in relief for the Marlins. He got two quick outs before walking Quentin, who advanced to second on defensive indifference. He then gave up a base hit up the middle to Chase Headley, putting runners at the corners.
Steve Cishek replaced Ramos and got Kyle Blanks to ground out back to the mound to notch his 15th save.
Game Notes
Fernandez threw 100 pitches ... Mathis had nine RBI during the series ... The Marlins were 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position ... Miami opens a three-game series at Atlanta on Tuesday while San Diego will head to Boston for a three-game set.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.