In a night full of emotions in baseball, the Cincinnati Reds defeated the San Diego Padres with a score of 8-1. The match was marked by the impressive performance of Nick Martinez, who kept the opposing batters at bay for much of the game.
Martinez, with an outstanding performance, kept the hope of a no-hitter until the ninth inning. However, Elias Diaz, pinch hitter, hit a double that broke the spell. In addition, Spencer Steer shone with three home runs, contributing significantly to the Reds’ victory.
Pitcher Martinez (5-8) walked Jackson Merrill, his third batter, then retired 22 consecutive batters before issuing a walk to rookie Trenton Brooks to lead off the ninth inning. Diaz hit a 0-1 changeup off the left-center field wall on Martinez’s 112th and final pitch, which tied his career high.
Martinez, a 34-year-old right-handed pitcher, struck out six batters, as the Reds secured their fourth win in five games. The pitcher also threw 112 pitches for Texas against Boston on May 28, 2015.
Taylor Rogers walked two batters, resulting in a run, before striking out Gavin Sheets.
Martinez, after two relief appearances, made his first start since June 19. Before this game, he only had one complete game in 118 starts in the Major Leagues, an eight-inning effort in a loss against the Chicago Cubs last September 27.
After Martinez allowed seven runs in 2 2/3 innings against Minnesota, Reds manager Terry Francona suggested Martinez make an appearance in relief. Martinez pitched two perfect innings in St. Louis two days later, and offered to make another relief appearance to keep starter Brady Singer on his turn. Martinez pitched a 1-2-3 inning against the Yankees two days later, on June 23.
Steer hit solo home runs in the second and fourth innings against Dylan Cease (3-7), and then a two-run shot against Yuki Matsui in a four-run fifth inning. Steer has nine home runs so far this season.
