MLB Scores: Marlins 3 Reds 1

The Miami Marlins and the Cincinnati Reds played the first of a three game weekend series tonight at Marlins Park, and it was a special day for Marlins fans, as it was Jose Day! The Marlins ace dominated the Reds, and he improved his case to be the starter for the NL in the All-Star Game on Tuesday at Petco Park in San Diego. Fernandez bounced back after giving up nine runs against the Atlanta Braves. Fernandez pitched seven strong innings, fanning eight batters and allowing just one run in another fantastic start, as he is now 25-1 in his career when pitching at Marlins Park.

Fernando Rodney and A.J. Ramos, followed up with strong innings to finish off the game. The Marlins came away with the 3-1 victory, and they were able to rebound after a tough road trip, where they went just 3-6. Christian Yelich continued to have the hot hand at the plate today, and he made a contribution right away in the very first inning. Yelich doubled to left, which scored Martin Prado, and the Marlins took the early 1-0 lead.

The Reds finally had a response in the top of the fourth inning, when All-Star Adam Duvall singled to left, which scored Billy Hamilton, and it tied the game up at one apiece. Derek Dietrich responded the very next half inning, as he singled to left, which scored Yelich. The Marlins regained the lead, 2-1, in the bottom of the fourth. Yelich was back at it again in the bottom of the sixth, as he homered to center, which gave the Marlins a 3-1 advantage.

That’s all that Fernandez, Rodney, and Ramos needed, as they closed out the game, and the Marlins came out as 3-1 winners. Christian Yelich had a big day at the plate today, going 2-3 with two RBI’s and a walk. Martin Prado was also a big contributor hitting wise, as he went 2-4 with a double.

On the opposing side, Dan Straily pitched 6.0 innings for Cincinnati, striking out two batters and allowing three runs. Straily drops to 4-5 on the year, while Fernandez improves his record to 11-4. Miami had seven hits, which slightly outdid Cincinnati, who recorded six hits on the night. These teams will do battle again tomorrow afternoon, as the Reds (32-55) and the Marlins (45-41) will play at 4:10 ET.

Source: FanGraphs

Hero of the Game: Jose Fernandez (0.29)

Goat of the Game: Zack Cozart (-0.19)

Play of the Game: Adam Duvall singles to left, Billy Hamilton scores, Duvall advances to second on error (.133)