MIAMI -- Jose Fernandez improved his career home record to 14-0 on Thursday night, but the Miami Marlins right-hander's eyes lit up after the game when discussing his catcher, Jeff Mathis, and the defensive play he made in the sixth inning.

Speedy Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton led off the inning with a slow roller halfway between home and first base. Mathis pounced on the ball, landing on his right knee before quickly tossing to first for the out.

"Jeff made an incredible play," Fernandez said. "I was telling him, 'That was fancy.'"

Fernandez was even fancier, pitching seven scoreless innings, leading the Miami Marlins to a 2-0 win over the Reds on Thursday night at Marlins Park.

Aside from Mathis, Fernandez got a major assist from second baseman Dee Gordon, who stole three bases and scored both runs.

But Fernandez (2-0) -- as is almost always the case when he pitches at home -- was the star of the show. He got the win in just his second start since missing nearly 14 months after Tommy John elbow surgery. He gave up six hits -- five singles and one double -- walked none and struck out nine.

Many of those strikeouts came on off-speed pitches that had exceptional movement low in the zone.

"I think what's even better than it was before is the fade on his changeup," Marlins manager Dan Jennings said. "It's late, and it's at the plate, and it's become a very good weapon against left-handed hitters. His changeup has progressed to a different level."

Fernandez is now 14-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 22 career home starts. His streak of 22 starts without a home loss to open a career is the best for any pitcher since the Modern Era began in 1914.

"Any time you play in front of your home crowd," Mathis said, "it hypes you up even more."

The Reds never got a runner past second base against Fernandez, who retired the side in order twice.

In his two post-surgery starts, Fernandez has a 2.08 ERA, 15 strikeouts and no walks in 13 innings.

"He's Fernandez -- that's all you need to know," Hamilton said. "He’s a great pitcher. He can throw any of his pitches at any time. You have to be ready for anything."

Miami got scoreless relief pitching from Carter Capps in the eighth and A.J. Ramos in the ninth.

Ramos picked up his 14th save in 17 chances but gave up a leadoff double to first baseman Joey Votto. Ramos got out of trouble by retiring third baseman Todd Frazier on a fly ball to the warning track in left field, striking out right fielder Jay Bruce and catching a popup by left fielder Marlon Byrd.

Cincinnati rookie right-hander Michael Lorenzen (3-4) took the loss. He went six innings and allowed five hits, four walks and two runs. It was his seventh quality starts out of 12 this season, but it was not good enough to beat Fernandez.

Lorenzen said he tried to learn from Fernandez.

"I definitely like to watch and see what the top pitchers are doing," Lorenzen said. "Being able to see that from the dugout was cool. He backed our guys in a corner, and it's hard to hit that way."

Miami (36-50) snapped a four-game losing streak. Cincinnati (38-45) had its two-game win streak snapped, getting shut out for the sixth time this season.

Gordon got the Marlins untracked in the first inning. He led off with a single, stole second and scored on first baseman Justin Bour's double off the wall in center field.

In the fifth, Gordon hit another leadoff single and advanced on a walk by center fielder Christian Yelich. Gordon then stole third base and scored on a double-play grounder hit by shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria.

Reds manager Bryan Price was impressed with Gordon.

"He's really matured from his early years when he came up as a platoon player with the Dodgers," Price said. "He puts a lot more balls in play, gives them good at-bats. He knows how to utilize his speed."

NOTES: 3B Casey McGahee agreed to a deal with Miami, according to reports. He could join the team on Friday. Miami staring 3B Martin Prado (shoulder) is on the disabled list. ... Toronto is reportedly interested in trading for Marlins RHP Mat Latos, whose contract expires after the season. ... Reds RF Jay Bruce is reportedly on the trading block. However, Bruce has the right to reject a trade to eight teams: Yankees, Marlins, Red Sox, Twins, A's, Rays, Blue Jays and Diamondbacks. ... 1B Joey Votto and 2B Brandon Phillips made their 903rd start together, the most in Reds history for any combo on the right side of the infield. ... Reds CF Billy Hamilton and Marlins 2B Dee Gordon are 1-2 in the majors in steals this year. Gordon is a first-time All-Star starter. ... RHP Aroldis Chapman, who made his fourth straight All-Star Game, is the first Reds reliever to accomplish that feat.