On night to reflect, Mets out of sync from start

MIAMI — Jose Fernandez’s presence was everywhere on Monday night, and collectively, the Marlins fed off the energy. Dee Gordon set the tone with a tearful leadoff homer that tugged at the heartstrings of everyone at Marlins Park.

Gordon had four hits and Justin Bour collected three, helping the Marlins break open a big lead and hold off the Mets, 7-3, on a night they paid tribute to Fernandez, whose death on Sunday morning in a boating accident rocked the sports world.

Jose Fernandez: 1992-2016 Beloved star Fernandez dies in tragic accident Fernandez’s life a tale of the American Dream United Marlins mourn loss of Fernandez Tearful return: Emotional Marlins win After honoring friend, Dee delivers 1st homer Marlins honor Fernandez by wearing No. 16 Mets, Marlins unite in remembering Jose Fans pay tribute to Fernandez at Marlins Park Baseball community mourns Fernandez together Fernandez fondly recalled by fellow Cubans Taken far too young, Fernandez not alone Marlins statement on Jose Fernandez Loria statement on passing of Fernandez Fernandez’s career stats Retrospective photo gallery Marlins president Samson on tragedy More Fernandez remembrances and highlights More coverage ¬Former Marlins GM Jennings: Jose ‘a throwback’Marlins’ playoff picture meaningless at momentPuig tearfully recalls his friend FernandezLupica: Our hearts break: RIP Jose FernandezFernandez’s death hits McCullers hardOrtiz cancels ceremony; honors friend FernandezBraves mourn Fernandez at Marlins ParkPirates mourn loss of ‘wonderful’ FernandezCishek, Mariners reflect on life of FernandezMets mourn Fernandez’s ‘love for the game’Fernandez’s death resonates with SciosciaNeal, Alonso mourn their friend FernandezNats, Fernandez’s final opponent, remember aceD-backs remember ace for charisma, devotion to gameIglesias, Tigers mourn Fernandez’s passingPadres’ players remember Fernandez’s joyBrewers’ lineup honors Fernandez vs. RedsDyson remembers former teammate FernandezGiants saddened by Fernandez’s passingReds mourn loss of FernandezPhils’ Herrera remembers Fernandez’s humility, passionRockies recall Fernandez’s smile, joy for gameIndians react to tragic passing of FernandezWhite Sox mourn loss of superstar FernandezTwins reflect on passing of Fernandez

Following the win, the Marlins’ players and coaches circled the pitcher’s mound in a display of unity, standing shoulder to shoulder while Giancarlo Stanton delivered a speech and the crowd chanted “Jo-se! Jo-se!” The players then removed their caps, leaving them on the mound while many Mets remained in the dugout, watching in silence.

“I’m just proud of our guys, just the way they hung together,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “It was not scripted. No one tells you how to handle it. There’s nothing that tells you how to handle it. They just stuck together and went out and played. I think they really wanted to honor Jose the way he played and how he went about things — just that joy that he had when he played, that confidence and that energy. I really think that was the focus of these guys, honoring him.”

On a night when Fernandez was expected to start, the Marlins used a team effort to improve their record to 78-78, while the Mets, who hold the top National League Wild Card spot, had their lead over the idle Giants shrink to a half-game. Miami, meanwhile, gained ground, but still has an elimination number of two.

• WC standings | 2016 tiebreaker scenarios | How to determine postseason tiebreakers

“Most definitely the most difficult game I ever played in,” Gordon said. “I just kept looking over and for …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com