Fernandez sparks Marlins' rally over Giants
MIAMI -- Jose Fernandez made a triumphant return to the mound, displaying his electric assortment of stuff during six effective innings and contributing a home run to help the Marlins outlast the Giants, 5-4, on Thursday afternoon.
Having weathered Tommy John elbow surgery, Fernandez allowed three runs and seven hits in his first outing since May 9, 2014. The right-hander walked none and struck out six, reflecting his solid command and energizing the Marlins Park crowd of 32,598.
• Fernandez energizes Marlins with arm, bat
"We got a win and I think that's all I can ask for," Fernandez said. "And I'm healthy on my side. That's all I can ask for. We've won four of the last five, so it's a good feeling to see the guys battling and playing good baseball."
Video: SF@MIA: Fernandez on 2015 debut, the Marlins' victory
Giants starter Matt Cain also ended a prolonged absence, making his initial appearance since last July 9 after recovering from elbow surgery and a flexor tendon strain.
"The ball feels a lot better coming out of my hand," Cain said.
The right-hander took a 3-1 lead into the fifth inning, when the Marlins assumed control by scoring four runs. Fernandez's leadoff homer began the surge that culminated in Justin Bohr's three-run homer.
Video: SF@MIA: Posey smacks a solo shot to cut the deficit
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Bour delivers again: For the second time in as many days, Bour launched a three-run home run to give the Marlins a lead. While Wednesday's three-run blast delivered a walk-off win in the ninth inning, Thursday's homer came in the fifth with Miami trailing, 3-2. Following Fernandez's homer to lead off the frame, Christian Yelich walked and Adeiny Hechavarria singled to set up the lefty's homer. It put the Marlins ahead, 5-3, and marked Bour's ninth long ball of the season and third in three games. More >
Video: SF@MIA: Bour launches a three-run shot for the lead
Free passes costly: Individually, the four walks Cain issued might not have seemed like a big deal. But they inflated his pitch count and took their toll in the fifth, when the walk to Yelich quite possibly made the difference between a big inning and a less dramatic one.
"Those will end up costing you," Cain said. More >
Video: SF@MIA: Cain gets Mathis to hit into double play
Big day for Blanco: Gregor Blanco delivered nicely in the leadoff spot for the Giants, singling and scoring in the first inning before homering in the fifth. He increased his lifetime batting average against the Marlins to .391 (54-for-138).
"My thing was trying to be aggressive," Blanco said. "I knew [Fernandez] was trying to be aggressive, too."
Video: SF@MIA: Blanco drills a solo shot to extend the lead
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
The contest marked the first time in Fernandez's three-year career that he allowed more than two earned runs at Marlins Park. It was his 21st home start, and he entered 12-0 with a 1.09 ERA in his first 20 home outings.
QUOTABLE
"I couldn't stop thinking about it that I was allowed another chance to be on the mound. I've been given another chance to do what I love. I almost teared up before I threw the first pitch." -- Fernandez, on heading to the mound for the first inning
Video: SF@MIA: Fernandez fans six, slugs homer in 2015 debut
WHAT'S NEXT
Giants: Jake Peavy, recovered from back trouble, will make his third start of the season on Friday as San Francisco opens a three-game series at Nationals Park in a rematch of last October's Division Series. First pitch is scheduled for 3:09 p.m. PT.
Marlins: Miami travels to Chicago for a three-game weekend series with the Cubs. Tom Koehler (6-4, 3.66), who has a 6.21 ERA on the road this season, gets the start on Friday at 2:20 p.m. ET.
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