CINCINNATI — The Reds were on the verge of making history in two incredible ways on Friday night against the San Diego Padres. While Nick Martinez was just three outs away from throwing a no-hitter, Spencer Steer was one swing away from hitting four home runs in a game.
Although both feats fell short, it was still a memorable night at Great American Ball Park as the Reds secured an 8-1 victory over the Padres, marking their eighth win in the last 12 games.
Martinez’s Near No-Hitter
Nick Martinez (5-8) came within three outs of becoming the 18th pitcher in Reds history to throw a no-hitter. He held the Padres hitless until Elias Diaz—a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning—doubled off the left-center field wall to break up the bid.
Martinez tossed 112 pitches, matching his career high, while walking two and striking out six. After the double, Taylor Rogers entered to finish the game and secure the win for the Reds.
It was an impressive outing for Martinez, especially considering his last start on June 19, where he gave up seven earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings against the Twins. After that rough start, Martinez pitched in relief for the next two appearances, delivering three scoreless innings.
“I came out of the bullpen and just simplified things,” said Martinez. “That definitely helped me tonight.”
Steer’s 3-Homer Night
First baseman Spencer Steer had a remarkable performance, hitting three home runs in a single game for the first time in his career. He homered in the second inning, the fourth inning off Padres’ right-hander Dylan Cease, and again in the fifth off lefty Yuki Matsui. His third home run gave the Reds an 8-0 lead.
Steer came to the plate in the eighth inning with the opportunity to make history and become only the second Reds player ever to hit four home runs in a game, following Scooter Gennett’s feat in 2017. However, Steer struck out on a 3-2 pitch from David Morgan, falling short of a fourth homer.
“With the score being 8-0 in the eighth inning, I didn’t want to walk. I wanted to give myself a chance to hit a fourth,” Steer said. “You never know how many opportunities you’ll get at that.”
Steer’s three home runs were part of an outstanding offensive display, and he now has nine home runs on the season.
A Humble Steer and the Reds’ Winning Night
After his third homer, Steer declined the crowd’s request for a curtain call, showing his humble nature. Reds manager Terry Francona remarked, “He’s so humble, he wasn’t comfortable coming out. Part of me thinks it’s cool that he’s so modest.”
The combination of Martinez’s near no-hitter and Steer’s historic three-homer game had fans at the ballpark buzzing. While the dual feats didn’t come to fruition, Tyler Stephenson—the Reds’ catcher—reflected, “That would have been one hell of a night.”
Despite not achieving a no-hitter or four-homer game, it was still a night to remember for the Cincinnati Reds, as both Martinez and Steer delivered remarkable performances. The
