Marlins 4, Nationals 1
MIAMI -- Right-hander Jose Fernandez improved his career home record to 15-0, leading the Miami Marlins past the Washington Nationals 4-1 Tuesday night at Marlins Park.
Fernandez (4-0) struck out five batters and allowed four hits and one run in six innings. He pitched around four walks, which tied his career high.
In 23 career home starts, Fernandez has a 1.19 ERA. His streak of unbeaten home starts to start a career is the longest in the majors since 1914. His mark of 15 consecutive home wins to start a career is one short of the major league record.
On Tuesday, Miami scored just in time to get Fernandez the victory, snapping a 1-1 tie with two runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Second baseman Dee Gordon, in his first game since returning from the disabled list after recovering from a dislocated left thumb, hit a leadoff triple to right-center, with his drive one-hopping the wall.
Gordon scored on a single by third baseman Martin Prado, who advanced to third on a single to right by center fielder Christian Yelich. Prado scored on a groundout by catcher J.T. Realmuto.
The hits by Gordon, Prado and Yelich came on three consecutive pitches.
Yelich added an RBI single in the seventh.
A.J. Ramos pitched a scoreless ninth for his 17th save of the season, getting a double play to end the game and escape a two-on jam. Setup relievers Bryan Morris and Carter Capps put up zeros in the seventh and eighth innings.
The loss went to Jordan Zimmermann (8-6), who allowed three runs in six innings.
Washington opened the scoring in the second inning. Right fielder Bryce Harper led off with a nine-pitch walk, advanced to third on first baseman Ryan Zimmerman's double and scored on a one-out sacrifice fly to right by catcher Wilson Ramos.
Miami tied the score in the fifth in similar fashion. Realmuto singled with one out, advanced to third on a single by right fielder Ichiro Suzuki and scored on a one-out sacrifice fly to right by shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria.
NOTES: Washington acquired RHP Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies in exchange for minor league RHP Nick Pivetta. Papelbon will become the closer, and RHP Drew Storen will move to a setup role. ... Marlins All-Star 2B Dee Gordon (dislocated left thumb) was activated off the disabled list. To create a roster spot, INF Donovan Solano went on paternity leave. Gordon had not played since dislocating his left thumb July 11. He entered Tuesday ranked second in the National League in batting average (.338) and steals (33). ... Washington activated 1B Ryan Zimmerman (plantar fasciitis) and LF Jayson Werth (fractured left wrist) off the disabled list. Zimmerman had not played since June 9 and Werth since May 15. ... Marlins RHP Henderson Alvarez, who pitched a no-hitter in 2013 and made the All-Star Game last season, had season-ending right shoulder surgery Tuesday. He finishes the year 0-4 with a 6.45 ERA.