Marlins' Fernandez puts perfect home mark on line against Nationals
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jul 17, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jose Fernandez puts a perfect home record on the line when he takes the mound for the Marlins on Tuesday night against the Nationals.
Fernandez has never lost at Marlins Park, posting a 14-0 record with a 1.17 ERA in 22 career home starts dating to his rookie season of 2013.
The Cuban right-hander, who will turn 23 on Friday, has been overpowering in three starts against the NL East-leading Nationals. He is 1-0 with 23 strikeouts and only one earned run permitted over 20 innings versus Washington.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fernandez is 3-0 in four starts this season since his return from Tommy John surgery. Following his last outing, Fernandez's career ERA stood at 2.30 - the third-lowest mark by a pitcher over his first 40 starts since 1920.
The last pitcher to win his first 14 career home decisions was LaMarr Hoyt of the Chicago White Sox from 1979-82. Hoyt won his first 16 home decisions but 55 of his first 69 appearances came in relief.