Young Turner, Fernandez impress Marlins

MIAMI -- The Marlins caught a glimpse of the future this weekend, with right-handers Jacob Turner and Jose Fernandez turning in scoreless outings against the Mets on Friday and Saturday.

Fernandez and Turner surrendered only eight combined hits in 14 shutout innings, giving Miami a series win and its first chance for a series sweep.

"Pitching sets the tone," manager Mike Redmond said. "Those guys have gone out there the last two days against a hot team and pitched really well and given us a chance."

Redmond has paired Fernandez and Turner with catcher Jeff Mathis recently in an effort to have the veteran provide a calming influence to the young pitchers.

In limited work with both hurlers, Mathis had nothing but praise for Fernandez and Turner.

"You get young guys coming up, and you want them to start off well and do well," Mathis said. "Those guys did a little more than that. To be so young, they really had a good idea of what they wanted to do on the mound."

Mathis admits he is still learning Fernandez and Turner, their tendencies and their styles. However, he is confident in the duo's ability to anchor the Marlins' rotation for years to come.

"They've got some great arms," Mathis said. "They're good pitchers."