Jose Fernandez loses tough one again

Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez pitched well enough to win yet again Wednesday against the Diamondbacks, but a lack of run support proved costly, in a 3-1 loss.

Fernandez cruised through the first seven innings of the game, holding the Diamondbacks scoreless before running into trouble in the eighth. He walked two batters and was lifted with one out in the eighth inning, for reliever Mike Dunn, who allowed a three-run homer to the first batter he faced.

Fernandez was charged with two runs in 7 1/3 innings, while pitching into the eighth inning for just the third time in his professional career. Fernandez allowed two runs on three hits and two walks, while striking out four batters in the 3-1 loss. He also threw 71 of 103 pitches for strikes in the game, his second start in a row with at least 100 pitches thrown.

Fernandez now has a 3.05 ERA, and the Marlins seem to be letting him go deeper into games; he has thrown at least 87 pitches in each of his last five starts, after doing so just once in his first nine. He carries a 4-4 record into his next outing, scheduled for Tuesday against the Twins.