José Fernández's Teammate Cries After He Hits Home Run in First At-Bat Following Star Pitcher's Death

It was an emotional game for the Miami Marlins on Monday night – and second baseman Dee Gordon only added to the tears.

The 28-year-old opened the first game for the Marlins since the tragic death of pitcher José Fernández by impersonating Fernández's right-hand stance for one pitch. He then returned to his own left-handed stance – and hit a home run.

He was surely thinking of Fernández as he crossed the home plate. Running his hand to his heart, he burst into tears and was embraced by his teammates – who all wore Fernández's No. 16 jersey in tribute.

The crowd in Marlins Park erupted in applause, as the game stopped to take in the tearful moment.

Later, Gordon told FOX Sports Florida's Craig Minervini just how important the moment was for him.

"I don't have kids, that's the best moment of my life – to hit a home run for him," Gordon said.

Fernández was killed in a boating accident early Sunday morning. He was 24.

The standout baseball pitcher was expecting a baby with his girlfriend, identified by Larry Brown Sports as Carla Mendoza.

"I don't know how any of us got out there and played today," Gordon added. "It's very tough – but it's only a fraction of how his family feels. We're just his extended family. And I just pray for them at this time."

The Marlins went to beat the New York Mets 7-3 on Monday's game. After their win, the team gathered around on the mound and laid their hats on it in his honor – to the sound of Fernández's name being chanted by the stadium.

In a press conference on Sunday, Marlins manager Don Mattingly choked back tears as he spoke about Fernández's death.

"When I think about José, I'll be thinking about that little kid," he said. "When I think of José, I see such a little boy, the way he played. There's just joy with him when he played, and when he pitched. And I think that's what the guys will say, too."