Nick Martinez and Spencer Steer just miss making history in Reds' 8-1 win over Padres
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez reacts after striking out San Diego Padres' Jake Cronenworth to retire the side during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez (28) gestures to the crowd after a pitching change during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer (7) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer gestures as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez, left, speaks with catcher Tyler Stephenson at the pitcher's mound during the third inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez reacts after striking out San Diego Padres' Jake Cronenworth to retire the side during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez (28) gestures to the crowd after a pitching change during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer (7) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer gestures as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez, left, speaks with catcher Tyler Stephenson at the pitcher's mound during the third inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds were on the verge of making history twice Friday night against the San Diego Padres.
Nick Martinez was three outs away from becoming the 18th pitcher in Reds franchise history to toss a no-hitter, and first baseman Spencer Steer was one swing away from becoming the second Reds player to homer four times in a game.
Advertisement
But, both Martinez and Steer fell short.
It was still a memorable night at Great American Ball Park as Cincinnati beat San Diego 8-1 for their eighth win in 12 games.
Martinez (5-8) didn't allow a hit until pinch-hitter Elias Diaz doubled off the left-center field wall in the ninth. Martinez matched his career high with 112 pitches. He walked two and struck out six before giving way to Taylor Rogers, who sealed the win.
Martinez retired 22 straight batters between a walk in the first inning and another to Trenton Brooks to start the ninth.
It was the longest no-hit bid against the Padres since Arizona's Tyler Gilbert completed the feat on Aug. 14, 2021.
Advertisement
'That's as nervous as I've been in a long, long time,' Reds manager Terry Francona said. "They say good things happen to good people. What he did this week going to the bullpen. He deserved that."
It was a far cry from Martinez's last start on June 19, when he allowed seven earned runs in 2 2/3 innings in a 12-5 loss to the Twins. His next two appearances came in relief, tossing three scoreless innings.
'My last start, focus wasn't quite there, got shelled, which isn't fun,' the 34-year-old right-hander said. "Coming out of the pen allowed me to simplify things. It definitely helped me tonight."
Martinez came within three outs of the first no-hitter by a Reds pitcher since Wade Miley on May 7, 2021, in a 3-0 win at Cleveland.
Advertisement
Steer homered in the second inning and again in the fourth off Padres right-hander Dylan Cease. He then hit a two-run homer in the fifth off lefty Yuki Matsui. He came to bat leading off the eighth and struck out on a 3-2 pitch from David Morgan.
'With the score being 8-0 and it being the eighth inning, I can say that for the first time in my life, I didn't want to walk,' Steer said. 'I was trying to give myself a chance to hit a fourth. You never know how many opportunities you'll get at that.'
It's the first career three-homer game for Steer, who has nine homers this season.
The only other Reds player to go deep four times in a game was Scooter Gennett on June 6, 2017, against the Cardinals, also at Great American Ball Park.
Advertisement
Steer said his golf game on Thursday's off day offered no indication that he'd have a big day at the plate on Friday.
'I shanked every shot I hit in the front nine,' he said, smiling.
Following his third homer, Steer refused to grant the crowd's request for a curtain call.
'He's so humble, he wasn't comfortable coming out,' Francona said. 'Part of me thinks it's cool that he's so modest that he just doesn't want to do it.'
The possibility of a no-hitter and a four-homer game on the same night seemed unlikely, until Friday.
'That would have been one hell of a night,' Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson said.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
26 minutes ago
- Fox News
LIV Golf expands access to the sport through Dallas youth initiative
LIV Golf is taking its global tour to the South, bringing back big names and team competition. However, this weekend in Dallas, the focus is about more than the game itself. While big names like Bryson DeChambeau may grab headlines, the league tells FOX they're just as invested in who's getting a chance to belong in the sport. Through LIV Golf's Potential, Unleashed, students stretched out across the DFW area took part in a day of inspiration and fun through the league's working partnerships with local school districts and charities. The idea behind it all? To increase opportunities for education, employment and training young athletes in the game of golf. "It's allowing them to bring diversity to the game, to teach the game to communities that may not have had the opportunity to do that… But also to show the world that it's not just about a sport and somebody being a winner…but there are a lot of life lessons to be involved when you're playing golf or learning something new," explained Tracey Hardwick, Executive Director of Together We Thrive. On Wednesday, the kids also took part in golf lessons from the pros themselves, opening doors to the leaderboard. "I think trying to break some of those barriers and get golf to… everyone is really important… Not only for the growth of the game, but for…this community here to have a sport, that they can go play and learn," said Cameron Tringale, a LIV Golf player with HyFlyers GC. However, when it comes to the tournament, LIV Golf and FOX Sports Broadcaster Jerry Foltz says the energy is different. "It's easy to say this is not your grandfather's golf tournament … There's world-class golf at the highest level … But there's a relaxed atmosphere for the fans who are here," Foltz said. That culture all shows up in the merch – specially catered to match the location of each individual tournament, while highlighting the unique layers to team play. "You know it's a team following, but it also has a player following, and it's a design following," said Senior Retail Operations Manager with LIV Golf, Andre Williams. But it's not just about what fans wear, it's who they're here to see, and the people who keep the game sharp – like Ben Giunta, otherwise known as the club doctor. A degree or two off? Giunta makes it right and is ready for the game. "A player comes in with some uncertainty. They walk out with a little bit more confidence in what they're actually using so they can go out and perform," Giunta explained.
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
CONCACAF Gold Cup: How to watch the Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia quarterfinal game tonight
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Edson Alvarez and the Mexico men's national soccer team will play Saudi Arabia at the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals this weekend, here's how to watch. (Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Defending champions Mexico will face Saudi Arabia on Saturday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals. Though Mexico will be playing Saturday's game without midfielder Luis Chávez, who suffered a ruptured ligament this week, the team is still favored in this year's tournament. Here's what you need to know about tuning into the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, including this weekend's Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia match on FS1, how to watch Gold Cup games without cable and which teams have made it to the quarterfinals. How to watch Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Date: June 28, 2025 Advertisement Time: 10:15 p.m. ET Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ TV channels: FS1 Streaming: DirecTV, Fubo and more What channel is the Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia Gold Cup game on? The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup game between Mexico and Saudi Arabia will air on FS1. The game will kick off at 10:15 p.m. ET. How to watch the CONCACAF Gold Cup without cable: This Saturday's game on FS1 is available on platforms including Fubo, DirecTV, and Hulu + Live TV. Watch FS1, FS2, FOX and more Fubo TV Starting at $65 for your first month, Fubo TV's Pro tier gives you access to FS1, FS2, FOX and 100+ more live channels. The live TV streaming service is definitely pricey, but it still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package and will get you access to the Gold Cup. Fubo subscribers also get unlimited cloud DVR storage. The platform offers a free trial period, and you can currently get $20 off your first month. Try free at Fubo How to watch the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a VPN: If you don't have FOX and don't want to add another streaming-service subscription to your life, you could always try tuning in with the help of a VPN. In Central America, all CONCACAF Gold Cup matches will stream live on Disney+, which you may already subscribe to. In the U.K., many Gold Cup matches will stream free with an account on CONCACAF Go and via YouTube. Advertisement Not in either of those places right now? You can still tune in like you are with the help of a VPN. Stream CONCACAF Gold Cup games ExpressVPN The CONCACAF Gold Cup will stream on Disney+ in Central America and free via YouTube in the U.K. ExpressVPN offers "internet without borders," meaning you can tune into the tournament from anywhere. All you'll need to do is sign up for ExpressVPN, change your server location to the U.K. or Central America and find games streaming live on YouTube, via CONCACAF Go or Disney+. ExpressVPN's added protection, speed and range of location options make it an excellent choice for first-time VPN users looking to stretch their streaming abilities, plus it's Engadget's top pick for the best streaming VPN. New users can save 49% when they sign up for ExpressVPN's 12-month subscription. Plus, the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you're nervous about trying a VPN. From $4.99/month at ExpressVPN ● Group Stage: June 14 to 24 ● Quarterfinals: June 28 to 29 ● Semifinals: July 2 ● Final: July 6 Who is playing in the 2025 Gold Cup Quarterfinals? The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup began with 16 national teams: the best 15 from the CONCACAF region, who qualified through the latest edition of the CONCACAF Nations League or the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims, along with one invited guest team, Saudi Arabia. The quarterfinals have pared that field down to eight teams: The United States, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Canada, Guatemala, Panama, and Honduras. 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals schedule: All times Eastern. Advertisement June 28 at 7:15 p.m.: Panama vs. Honduras – State Farm Stadium (FS1) June 28 at 10:15 p.m.: Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia – State Farm Stadium (FS1) June 29 at 4 p.m.: Canada vs. Guatemala – U.S. Bank Stadium (FS1) June 29 at 7 p.m.: United States vs. Costa Rica – U.S. Bank Stadium (FOX) More ways to watch the CONCACAF Gold Cup:
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Michigan football's 2026 recruiting class soars to top 12 with 5 commits this week
It wasn't that long ago that Michigan football fans were lamenting the fact that you almost had to click 'read more' in order to see where the Wolverines were ranked in the 2026 recruiting team rankings. Even in the month of May, there was a local outcry as the maize and blue had just a handful of commits, seemingly languishing behind a series of also-rans. Oh, how things change. Perhaps patience was in order? Advertisement Now here we are, a month later, and fans are celebrating what's turning out to be one of the best classes in the country. The Wolverines got two commitments on Friday, about 15 minutes apart (if that), when Richmond (Va.) Huguenot three-star linebacker Markel Dabney and Honolulu (Hawaii) Kamehameha four-star offensive tackle Malakai Lee both pledged to the class. That's adding on to commitments this week from St. Louis (Mo.) DeSmet four-star defensive tackle Titan Davis, Mansfield (Tx.) four-star wide receiver Zion Robinson, and Needham (Mass.) St. Sebastian's four-star offensive tackle Marky Walbridge. Oh, and there are still two or three outstanding commits who have told Sherrone Moore and the program, but haven't announced yet publicly. So, where does Michigan rank now that it's added five commitments in five days? Here's a look at the different recruiting services: Advertisement 247Sports team rankings: No. 11 overall, 0 five-stars, 9 four-stars, 6 three-stars, average rating (90.77), overall rating (229.93) On3 team rankings: No. 11 overall, 0 five-stars, 9 four-stars, 6 three-stars, average rating (88.58), score (90.010) Rivals team rankings: No. 12 overall, 1 five-star, 9 four-stars, 4 three-stars, points (1762) We'll have to wait about a month to see where ESPN ranks the maize and blue. With the new rankings update, Michigan has surpassed teams such as Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and LSU (via all the rankings services). Whereas, beforehand, the Wolverines were behind all of them. There are still several top targets that are trending toward the maize and blue who decide soon, such as Richmond (Va.) Hermitage four-star CB Andre Clarke, Frisco (Tx.) Panther Creek four-star S Donovan Webb, Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith four-star WR Travis Johnson, Fort Worth (Tx.) North Crowley four-star IOL John Turntine III, Miami (Fla.) Northwestern five-star WR Calvin Russell, and Carrollton (Ga.) four-star CB Dorian Barney -- most of whom have at least one prediction that they'll end up in a winged helmet come decision day. Here are all of the current commitments to the class, using 247Sports Composite rankings: Advertisement Newbury Park (Calif.) four-star QB Brady Smigiel (No. 83 overall, 8th QB, 12th in California) St. Louis (Mo.) DeSmet four-star DL Titan Davis (No. 101 overall, 13th DL, 2nd in Missouri) Mansfield (Tx.) four-star WR Zion Robinson (No. 132 overall, 18th WR, 19th in Texas) Honolulu (Hawaii) Kamehameha four-star OT Malakai Lee (No. 137 overall, 10th OT, 2nd in Hawaii) Billings (Mont.) West four-star TE Matt Ludwig (No. 160 overall, 9th TE, 1st in Montana ) Chicago (Ill.) Simeon four-star EDGE McHale Blade (No. 168 overall, 21st EDGE, 4th in Illinois) Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin four-star CB Brody Jennings (No. 277 overall, 24th CB, 43rd in Florida) Cartersville (Ga.) Cass four-star IOL Bear McWhorter (No. 399 overall, 33rd IOL, 48th in Georgia) Liberty Hill (Tx.) four-star DL Alister Vallejo (No. 413 overall, 44th DL, 54th in Texas) Needham (Mass.) three-star OL Marky Walbridge (No. 447 overall, 38th OT, 2nd in Massachusetts) Columbus (Ohio) St. Francis de Sales three-star RB Jonathan Brown (No. 561 overall, 34th RB, 26th in Ohio) Denver (Colo.) Mullen three-star TE Mason Bonner (No. 602, 30th TE, 5th in Colorado) Dallas (Tx.) Parish Episcopal three-star WR Jaylen Pile (No. 718 overall, 105th WR, 112th in Texas) Richmond (Va.) Huguenot three-star LB Markel Dabney (No. 785 overall, 54th ATH, 18th in Virginia) Washington (D.C.) St. John's three-star EDGE Tariq Boney (No. 807 overall, 74th EDGE, 4th in D.C.) Hinsdale (Ill.) Central K Micah Drescher (No. 4 K, Chris Sailer Kicking) Phoenix (Ariz.) Sandra Day O'Connor five-star LS Colton Dermer (No. 6 LS) This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football's 2026 class surges into top recruiting ranks
