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Baseball takes a back seat as MLB stars honor Fernandez

Baseball took a back seat Sunday as the world was shocked by Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez's death.

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Playoff pictures, Cy Young awards and MVP contenders took a back seat on Sunday following the stunning news that Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez was one of three killed in a boating accident near Miami Beach.

The Marlins cancelled their scheduled game against the Atlanta Braves to grieve and allow Fernandez's friends and family to mourn the loss of a 24-year-old who had the world ahead of him.

Around MLB, players and managers rallied to show their support and dismay over the fallen star, and moments of silence were observed.

At Marlins Park, a graphic featuring Fernandez's Number 16 overtook every screen. Marlins manager Don Mattingly reflected on the joyous time he got to spend with Fernandez while in Miami.

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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was in tears while he told reporters: “My friend, my brother. You know how much I loved you. I have no words.”

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was supposed to be honoured by the Rays as he played his final game in Tampa Bay, but cancelled the celebration out of respect for Fernandez. He then decided to honour Fernandez during the game.

Many other teams and players followed suit, including New York Mets star outfielder and fellow Cuban Yoenis Cespedes, who hung a Mets-themed Fernandez jersey in the dugout.

RED SOX SET STRIKE RECORD

In the matches that did take place, the Boston Red Sox set a new major league record as left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez and right-armer Heath Hembree combined for 11 consecutive strikes in their 3-2 10-inning victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

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The Red Sox struck out 21 batters in nine innings, a new franchise record, as Boston racked up an 11th victory on the spin.

DODGERS SECURE NL WEST IN SCULLY FAREWELL

For 67 years Vin Scully has been the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers and he was showered with applause from players and fans alike in his final stadium broadcast.

And Scully was given a fitting send off as the Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-3 in Los Angeles to secure the National League West.

Charlie Culberson's walk-off home run in the 10th inning, his first homer in two years, in the bottom of the 10th inning lifted the Dodgers to the title and sparked wild celebrations.

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DETROIT LOSE GROUND, FRANCHISE HISTORY FOR THE METZ

Alex Gordon collected three hits for two runs scored and a home run, while Kendrys Morales also starred as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Detroit Tigers 12-9.

Detroit now face an uphill battle to clinch the final American League wildcard spot having fallen one and a half games behind the Baltimore Orioles.

In other matches, the New York Metz blasted the Philadelphia Phillies 17-0 for their largest shutout victory in the team's history.

Carlos Rodon led the Chicago White Sox, who are out of the playoff picture, to a 3-0 win over the Cleveland Indians by allowing just two hits in eight scoreless innings while striking out 11 batters.

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National League East division winners Washington Nationals were 10-7 victors over Pittsburgh Pirates, the Houston Astros defeated Los Angeles Angels 4-1 and the Toronto Blue Jays edged out the New York Yankees 4-3.

There were also victories for Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics.

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