Near the No-No: Nick Martínez shines, Steer connects 3 HRs in Reds victory

Nick Martínez falls short of a no-hitter, while Spencer Steer shines with three home runs

In an emotional night at Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds defeated the San Diego Padres with a score of 8-1. Right-handed pitcher Nick Martínez was close to achieving the feat of a no-hitter, while Spencer Steer became the offensive figure of the match by hitting three home runs. Martínez, with a dominant performance, kept San Diego’s batters at bay for much of the game. He didn’t allow any hits until the ninth inning, when Elías Díaz hit a double. This was Martínez’s 112th pitch, tying his personal record for pitches in a game.

I felt good all night. It’s frustrating to get so close, but happy with the result.

Nick Martínez

The 34-year-old pitcher struck out six batters and retired 22 consecutive batters after issuing a walk in the first inning. Although Díaz’s hit prevented the no-hitter, Martínez’s performance was outstanding. After the double, Taylor Rogers entered the mound, conceding a couple of walks that drove in a run, before striking out Gavin Sheets to close the game with only one hit allowed.

Steer leads the offense with three home runs

While Martinez shone on the mound, Spencer Steer took charge of driving the Reds’ offense. Steer connected for three home runs, two solo shots against Dylan Cease in the second and fourth innings, and another two-run homer in the fifth inning, contributing to a four-run rally.

Other highlights of the match

Elly De La Cruz also had an outstanding performance, with two hits in four at-bats, including a run scored and another driven in. Santiago Espinal also participated as a pinch hitter. From the Padres’ side, Luis Arráez went 0-4, while Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. failed to get hits. Elías Díaz was the only Padres player to get a hit. This victory represents the fourth in the last five games for the Reds, who continue to advance in the season.