Jose Fernandez remains unbeaten in Miami with win over Nationals

Sep 12, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez reacts in the first inning of a game at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

MIAMI (AP) -- Jose Fernandez returned from the disabled list and became only the third pitcher since 1914 to win his first 16 career decisions at home when the Miami Marlins beat the skidding Washington Nationals 2-0 Saturday night.

Pitching for the first time since he was sidelined by a right biceps strain Aug. 7, Fernandez (5-0) threw five innings, allowed two hits and struck out seven.

Johnny Allen (1932-33) and LaMarr Hoyt (1980-82) also started 16-0 at home, according to STATS.

Fernandez already held the major league record for most home starts without a loss to start a career. He lowered his ERA in 25 starts at home to 1.11.

The reeling and ailing Nationals lost their fifth consecutive game as they fade from contention in the NL East. Their mood was further soured by news that right-handed reliever Drew Storen broke his right thumb in a fit of temper following his latest outing Wednesday and will likely miss the rest of the season.

Ichiro Suzuki had three hits for the Marlins, who won their fourth in a row. They outhit Washington 12-3.

A.J. Ramos gave up a leadoff double in the ninth and then struck out the side for his 27th save and fourth in the past four games.

Fernandez, who returned from Tommy John surgery in July, lowered his ERA in eight starts this year to 2.06. He also singled in his only at-bat to hike his career average to .200.

The right-hander showed in the first inning he had his usual velocity, striking out Bryce Harper looking on a 99 mph fastball. Fernandez fanned Tyler Moore to end the fifth, walked off the mound with a grin and was replaced by a pinch hitter.

Fernandez threw 69 pitches and improved to 3-0 in five career starts against Washington with an ERA of 0.58.

Tanner Roark (4-5), making his eighth start this year, allowed two runs in 4 2-3 innings.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Marlins: RHP Carter Capps (right elbow strain) will throw a bullpen session Sunday and is expected to join the team on its trip beginning Monday. ... SS Adeiny Hechavarria (hamstring) is not yet at full speed but will also make the trip.

Nationals: 3B Yunel Escobar (stomach bug) was scratched from the lineup. Washington was again without 1B Ryan Zimmerman (left oblique).

UP NEXT

Nationals RHP Max Scherzer (11-11, 3.03 ERA) faces the Marlins and Brad Hand (4-5, 5.20) in the series finale Sunday. Scherzer is 0-3 with a 6.08 ERA in his past seven starts.