Spring training scores: Jose Fernandez shines in spring debut; Zobrist, Jennings lead Rays

Jose Fernandez impressed in his first spring appearance, blanking the Mets over 3⅓ innings and picking up two strikeouts in the process. The 21-year-old did allow two Mets to reach base via single, but it was a strong start for the right-hander as he hopes to build on his remarkable rookie campaign.

Unlike last season, Fernandez will head into 2014 as a well-known commodity looking to lead a young Marlins pitching staff. The Cuban native finished with a 2.19 ERA in 2013 and was even better in the second half, posting a 1.32 ERA in 10 starts after the All-Star break.

The Marlins ended up topping the Mets 5-2 in 10 innings after back-to-back doubles plated three runs in the top of the 10th. Mets right-hander Dillon Gee allowed one earned run and four hits over 2⅓ innings.

Ben Zobrist homered in his first at-bat on Wednesday, a solo shot to left field off Yankee starter Adam Warren. The switch-hitting Zobrist added another hit later on in the game and would eventually score on a three-run home run from Desmond Jennings, which tied the game at 4-4 in the fifth inning. Matt Joyce would hit the game-winning home run later on in the inning, as the Rays beat the Yankees 5-4.

Rays starter Cesar Ramos struggled in his outing, allowing four hits and two earned runs, and Grant Balfour, making his second spring appearance, gave up two runs on two hits and a walk in his only inning of work. Jake Odorizzi pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the save. Meanwhile, Yankees prospect Dellin Betances allowed just one baserunner and struck out two over 1⅔ innings pitched.

Pirates outfielder Travis Snider had himself a day on Wednesday, going 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. Snider knocked in Chris Dickerson on a single in the first inning and plated two more runs on a dinger to right field in the third. Snider and the Pirates knocked Jays starter Brandon Morrow around, as the right-hander allowed six hits and five earned runs in his second appearance this spring.

Pirates starter Jay Jackson allowed only a hit in his two innings of work, while Jays prospect Aaron Sanchez pitched two hitless frames to finish off the game, striking out two batters in the process.

The Nationals hit four home runs, including a solo shot from shortstop Ian Desmond in the third inning. The Mets actually held a 4-2 lead before Washington poured on nine runs in the final two frames, as Nationals prospect Brian Goodwin notched a two-run bomb to right field.

Nats starter Gio Gonzalez made his spring debut, allowing just a hit and picking up a strikeout in two shutout innings of work. The one bright spot for the Mets was starter Jenrry Mejia, who gave up an unearned run and struck out three batters in two innings pitched.

After a tough performance in his first start, Brandon Beachy looked much sharper on Wednesday. The right-hander allowed just one baserunner on a walk and struck out a batter in three scoreless innings. Phillies pitcher Sean O'Sullivan blanked the Braves over three innings of work as well, surrendering three hits and a walk.

Max Scherzer was in Cy Young form, shutting out the Astros over three innings. The right-hander gave up just a single and struck out three Astros batters. Tigers pitching dominated Houston all day long, surrendering only three hits, as Detroit topped the Astros 3-0.

Ian Kinsler knocked in a run with an RBI single in the fifth inning. The biggest bright spot on the day for the Astros was prospect Mike Foltynewicz's performance. Foltynewicz didn't allow a baserunner to reach in two innings of work.

The Cardinals scored eight runs against the Red Sox, including seven in the first four innings. Xavier Scruggs hit a two-run shot off Chris Capuano, while Matt Adams, Jhonny Peralta, Matt Holliday and Allen Craig each added RBI base knocks.

Daniel Nava led off the game with a home run against Cardinals starter Shelby Miller, and Xander Bogaerts added a long home run to left field in the sixth inning for the Red Sox.