Jose Fernandez K’s 14, Marlins beat Dodgers

Pitcher Jose Fernandez #16 of the Miami Marlins throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Marlin Park on September 9, 2016 in Miami, Florida.

(Sept. 9, 2016 - Source: Marc Serota/Getty Images North America)

SP Jose Fernandez punches out a career-high 14, as the Miami Marlins (70-71) beat the Los Angeles Dodgers (79-61) 4-1 in the opener of their three-game series.

The 24-year old ace (14-8) pitched 7 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits and 3 walks. His ERA and WHIP improved to 2.90 and 1.15, respectively.

C J.T. Realmuto gave Miami an early lead with a one-out home run in the first inning. It was his 10th long ball of the season.

The Marlins doubled their lead one inning later. LF Jeff Francoeur doubled with one out and 1B Chris Johnson singled him home to put Miami up 2-0.

Miami added two more runs in the fifth inning. With one out, 2B Dee Gordon reached on an infield single and J.T. Realmuto walked. Dee Gordon went on to steal third base with two outs and came home on another infield single by CF Christian Yelich.

RF Marcell Ozuna drew a walk next to load the bases for the Marlins. PH Ichiro Suzuki followed and was hit by a pitch, bringing home J.T. Realmuto for a 4-0 lead.

RP Fernando Rodney entered the game in the ninth inning to record the final three outs for Miami. After surrendering a home run to C Yasmani Grandal and back-to-back singles to RF Josh Reddick and CF Joc Pederson, Fernando Rodney had to be replaced with CL A.J. Ramos, who put a quick end to the game by earning his 33rd save of the year.

Los Angeles’ SP Clayton Kershaw (11-3) was activated from the 60-day DL after missing two-and-a-half months with a back injury. He pitched 3 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 5. He has an impressive 1.89 ERA with a 0.75 WHIP on the season.

J.T. Realmuto went 1-for-3 with 2 runs, 1 HR and 1 RBI. He is batting .313 and has 56 runs, 10 HR and 41 RBI this year.