Before Protest Day, Fernandez Impresses

Alex Fernandez won’t be with the Florida Marlins tonight. But he made his presence felt Monday night.

Fernandez, who will be absent from Pro Player Stadium and instead taking part in a protest by Cuban-Americans over the Elian Gonzalez situation, pitched into the eighth inning in leading the Marlins to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Miami.

“I didn’t have great stuff, not overpowering, but I’ll take this stuff every time,” he said. “We’re making some believers out of the fans and opposing teams. I’ll take my chances with this team against anybody.”

Preston Wilson hit a two-run homer in the first inning and Fernandez made it stand up, going 7 2/3 innings in his longest outing of the season.

The Marlins have won seven of nine.

Marlin management has given its permission for any of its front-office workers, players or coaches to miss tonight’s game because of the protest.

Pitchers Vladimir Nunez and Michael Tejera, who’s on the disabled list, and Fernandez will be absent, along with third baseman Mike Lowell.

Third base coach Fredi Gonzalez, infield coach Tony Taylor and bullpen coach Luis Perez also plan to be absent, as does Cuban-American Hall of Famer Tony Perez, an assistant to General Manager Dave Dombrowski.

“I wouldn’t have pitched [today]. I’m making it a point as a Cuban-American, and I’m proud to say that. You won’t be seeing me here tomorrow,” Fernandez said.

Colorado at St. Louis, ppd., rain--The game between the Rockies and Cardinals will be made up Aug. 10, a scheduled off day for both teams.