CINCINNATI \u2013 Nick Martinez took a no-hit bid into the ninth inning before allowing pinch-hitter Elias D\u00edaz’s double and Spencer Steer hit three home runs, leading the Cincinnati Reds over the San Diego Padres 8-1 on Friday night.<\/p>\n
Martinez (5-8) walked his third batter, Jackson Merrill, on a low full-count sinker, then retired 22 consecutive hitters before walking rookie Trenton Brooks starting the ninth. D\u00edaz then drove an 0-1 changeup off the base of the wall in left-center on Martinez’s 112th and final pitch, which tied his career high.<\/p>\n
A 34-year-old right-hander, Martinez struck out six as the Reds won for the fourth time in five games. He also threw 112 pitches for Texas against Boston on May 28, 2015.<\/p>\n
Taylor Rogers walked a pair of batters, forcing in a run, before striking out Gavin Sheets to finish the one-hitter.<\/p>\n
Coming off a pair of relief appearances, Martinez made his first start since June 19. He entered with one complete game over 118 big league starts, an eight-inning effort in a loss at the Chicago Cubs last Sept. 27.<\/p>\n
After Martinez allowed seven runs over 2 2\/3 innings against Minnesota, Reds manager Terry Francona suggested Martinez make a relief appearance. Martinez threw two perfect innings at St. Louis two days later, and Martinez offered to making another bullpen outing to keep starter Brady Singer on turn. Martinez pitched a 1-2-3 innings against the Yankees two days on June 23.<\/p>\n
Steer hit solo homers in the second and fourth innings off Dylan Cease (3-7), then a two-run drive against Yuki Matsui in a four-run fifth. Steer has nine home runs this season.<\/p>\n
Key moment<\/p>\n
D\u00edaz’s 393-foot double came on a changeup over the middle of the strike zone.<\/p>\n
Key start<\/p>\n
There has never been a three-homer game during a no-hitter.<\/p>\n
Up next<\/p>\n
Reds LHP Andrew Abbott (7-1, 1.79) and Padres RHP Randy V\u00e1squez (3-4, 3.60) start Saturday.<\/p>\n
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