Fernandez moves past rare tough start

PHILADELPHIA -- Chalk it up to an off night. The Marlins are doing so, and so is Jose Fernandez.

The way the Phillies knocked Fernandez around on Friday night in four-plus innings showed no matter how much talent you possess, if you don't execute, the results can be ugly.

"The fastball, I wasn't locating it," Fernandez said. "It's the perfect pitch to hit, no matter how hard it is. If it's up, it's a beautiful pitch to hit."

The Phillies tagged Fernandez for a career-high six earned runs and went on to beat the Marlins, 6-3, in the series opener at Citizens Bank Park.

The way Fernandez has dominated the league since early last year, what took place on Friday night was a bit startling.

Miami's 21-year-old ace had gone 13 straight starts without allowing more than two runs. His previous appearance where he gave up three came on July 7, 2013, at St. Louis.

During the 13-game streak, Fernandez was lights-out. He posted a 9-1 record, and the Marlins were 11-2 in those outings. Fernandez sported a 1.25 ERA, struck out 105 in 86 2/3 innings, and opponents hit a mere .166 against him. It was rare he even gave up baserunners, as his WHIP was 0.84, and he averaged 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

"We're talking about a lot of starts where he was pretty good," manager Mike Redmond said.

Now Fernandez is looking forward to his next start, which is on Wednesday at home against the Nationals. At Marlins Park, the young righty is 11-0 in his career with a 1.14 ERA.

"I'm not worried about Jose, he's going to be just fine," Redmond said.