Braves stun Fernandez and top Marlins, 9-1

Jose Fernandez may have been one of the better pitchers in the Majors entering this game while Lucas Harrell hadn't pitched in the Majors in two years, but in the very first inning it was Fernandez who coughed up a two-run homer and Harrell who struck out two batters.  Freddie Freeman crushed one after Jace Peterson doubled to left, and the Marlins' rocky start would only get rockier.

With one out in the sixth and two on, Adonis Garcia doubled to right and Freeman scored to launch the onslaught.  Several pitches later, A.J. Pierzynski singled to right, scoring both Nick Markakis and Garcia.  Then Erick Aybar scored when first baseman Chris Johnson committed an error.  With Fernandez tiring and his pitches noticeably off, Don Mattingly decided to leave him in and Peterson promptly slammed a three-run homer to right.

Johnson was in there at first after Justin Bour sprained his right ankle.  His status for tomorrow night is unknown.

In a wildly uncharacteristic performance, Fernandez allowed six earned runs on eight hits during 5 2/3 innings, and walked one and struck out eight.  Harrell lasted six solid innings and surrendered one run on three hits, walking one and fanning five.

About the only bright spot for the Marlins today was Ichiro Suzuki notching his 2,889th hit of the season in the third when he tripled deep into center field and scored Derek Dietrich.

The Marlins are now 3-8 against the Braves this season.

Tomorrow Adam Conley faces Mat Wisler in an historic game at Fort Bragg televised by ESPN at 8.