Martinez Carries No-Hitter Into 9th, Steer Homers 3 Times in Reds' 8-1 Win Over Padres

Friday, June 27th, 2025

CINCINNATI -- — Nick Martinez carried a no-hit bid into the ninth inning before allowing pinch-hitter Elias Díaz's double. Spencer Steer hit three home runs, powering the Cincinnati Reds to an 8-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday night.

Martinez (5-8) initially walked his third batter, Jackson Merrill, on a low full-count sinker in the first inning. He then retired 22 consecutive Padres hitters before walking rookie Trenton Brooks to start the ninth. Díaz then drove an 0-1 changeup off the base of the wall in left-center on Martinez's 112th and final pitch of the night. That pitch count tied his career high.

The 34-year-old right-hander struck out six batters as the Reds secured their fourth win in five games. Martinez previously threw 112 pitches for Texas against Boston on May 28, 2015.

Taylor Rogers came in after Martinez exited. Rogers walked a pair of batters, which forced in the Padres' only run, before striking out Gavin Sheets to complete the one-hitter.

Making his first start since June 19 after a pair of relief appearances, Martinez entered the game with one complete game over 118 big league starts – an eight-inning effort in a loss at the Chicago Cubs last Sept. 27.

After Martinez allowed seven runs over 2 2/3 innings against Minnesota previously, Reds manager Terry Francona suggested a relief appearance. Martinez responded with two perfect innings at St. Louis two days later and offered to make another bullpen outing to keep starter Brady Singer on turn. Martinez pitched a 1-2-3 inning against the Yankees two days later on June 23.

Steer was the offensive star for Cincinnati. He hit solo home runs in the second and fourth innings off Padres starter Dylan Cease (3-7). He then added a two-run drive against Yuki Matsui in a four-run fifth inning that broke the game open. Steer now has nine home runs this season.

Game Highlights

Nick Martinez's Near No-Hitter

Martinez delivered a standout performance, keeping the Padres hitless until the ninth inning, demonstrating excellent command and efficiency through most of his outing.

Spencer Steer's Three-Homer Game

Steer's offensive outburst was pivotal, accounting for a significant portion of the Reds' runs and providing the fireworks for the home crowd.

Key Moments

Díaz's 393-foot double in the ninth inning off a changeup spoiled Martinez's no-hit bid but was the Padres' only hit.

Statistical Note

There has never been a game in MLB history where a player hit three home runs during a no-hitter thrown by the opposing pitcher.

Up Next

The series continues Saturday. The Cincinnati Reds are scheduled to start LHP Andrew Abbott (7-1, 1.79) against the San Diego Padres and RHP Randy Vásquez (3-4, 3.60).

In summary

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the San Diego Padres 8-1 on June 27, 2025, behind a dominant pitching performance from Nick Martinez, who took a no-hit bid into the ninth inning. Spencer Steer led the Reds' offense with three home runs. The Padres' only run and hit came in the ninth inning. This game recap covers the key pitching and hitting performances and sets up the next game in the series.

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