Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona watched his team flail all night against Miami Marlins rookie Jose Fernandez and found a reason to be grateful.
''Thankfully he's in the National League,'' Francona said.
The Indians won't have to worry about Fernandez if they make the AL playoffs, but he ended their eight-game winning streak Friday, striking out 14 in eight innings to help the Marlins win 10-0.
Fernandez's strikeout total was the highest by an NL pitcher this season.
''Unfortunately for us, that's as good a start as I think we've seen all year,'' Francona said.
Miami's All-Star right-hander became the first major league pitcher to strike out at least 13 in consecutive games since Randy Johnson in 2004. He's the first rookie to do so since Kerry Wood in 1998.
Fernandez (8-5) set a Marlins record for the most strikeouts in consecutive starts. He had 13 Sunday in a win over Pittsburgh.
''Man, what a pitcher,'' Miami manager Mike Redmond said. ''He was on a mission. He went out against a great lineup and really just dominated.''
Fernandez pitched for the first time since turning 21 Wednesday and showed he's not yet over the hill, allowing just three hits. He struck out at least one batter in every inning and was still throwing 97 mph in the eighth.
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''Thankfully he's in the National League,'' Francona said.
The Indians won't have to worry about Fernandez if they make the AL playoffs, but he ended their eight-game winning streak Friday, striking out 14 in eight innings to help the Marlins win 10-0.
Fernandez's strikeout total was the highest by an NL pitcher this season.
''Unfortunately for us, that's as good a start as I think we've seen all year,'' Francona said.
Miami's All-Star right-hander became the first major league pitcher to strike out at least 13 in consecutive games since Randy Johnson in 2004. He's the first rookie to do so since Kerry Wood in 1998.
Fernandez (8-5) set a Marlins record for the most strikeouts in consecutive starts. He had 13 Sunday in a win over Pittsburgh.
''Man, what a pitcher,'' Miami manager Mike Redmond said. ''He was on a mission. He went out against a great lineup and really just dominated.''
Fernandez pitched for the first time since turning 21 Wednesday and showed he's not yet over the hill, allowing just three hits. He struck out at least one batter in every inning and was still throwing 97 mph in the eighth.
Go Check out all of our social media
– You can now follow me (Andy) on my Twitter account is at https://twitter.com/AR_Official_94
_ You can like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/AR_Official/244148072390274
- The Best Pro Wrestling, MMA & Sports Talk- Live Radio Show