Teheran, Braves edge Fernandez and Marlins 2-1

[August 31, 2013]  ATLANTA, Ga. (AP) -- Freddie Freeman hit a two-run homer in the first inning, Julio Teheran topped Jose Fernandez in a matchup of young right-handers, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 2-1 Friday night for their fifth straight win.

The 21-year-old Fernandez (10-6) took his first loss since July 7 but allowed only one hit after Freeman's homer. He gave up three hits in six innings.

The Marlins have lost five straight.

The 22-year-old Teheran (11-7) yielded one run and four hits in 6 1-3 innings. Each starter had eight strikeouts.

Before facing Freeman in the first, Fernandez had allowed only two homers in his last 15 starts since June 1 -- and none in his first five outings this month.

Freeman's homer off the top of the wall in center field drove in Elliot Johnson, who doubled to right.

The other hit allowed by Fernandez was Freeman's double in the fourth.

With closer Craig Kimbrel unavailable after pitching in three straight games, Anthony Varvaro got six outs, including a perfect ninth inning, for his first career save.

Fernandez led off the third with a triple, the first of his career, and scored on Christian Yelich's single.
 

Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons made two strong defensive plays in the sixth. He adjusted to field Justin Ruggiano's grounder after the ball bounced off third baseman Chris Johnson's glove and then made a strong throw to first for the out. Simmons dove to his right to snare Placido Polanco's line drive for the second out.

The Braves left the bases loaded in the fourth and seventh.

Giancarlo Stanton led off the eighth with a single. Ruggiano then hit a fly ball to right field and Stanton was thrown out by Jordan Schafer while trying to advance to second.

NOTES: Fernandez has 173 strikeouts for a Marlins rookie record, passing Scott Olsen's 166 in 2006. ... Miami manager Mike Redmond said RHP Ryan Webb was fine after getting hit in the back by a batted ball during batting practice Thursday. ... Braves C Evan Gattis didn't start on "El Oso Blanco" night -- a promotion that played off the rookie's nickname. Gattis drew a pinch-hit walk in the seventh. ... OF Justin Upton was held out with a bruised left wrist after he was hit by a pitch from Ubaldo Jimenez on Thursday night. ... Elliot Johnson, normally an infielder, started for Upton in left field. ... Braves LHP Mike Minor will try for his 14th win when he faces Miami RHP Jacob Turner on Saturday night.

[Associated Press; By CHARLES ODUM]

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