Nick Martinez took a no-hitter into the 9th and Spencer Steer hit 3 HRs as the Reds beat the Padres 8-1 on June 28. Relive the historic Cincy performance!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
On a night celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Big Red Machine, the 2025 Cincinnati Reds put on a legendary performance of their own. In front of a roaring crowd at Great American Ball Park, Spencer Steer launched three home runs in his first three trips to the plate while starter Nick Martinez took a no-hitter into the ninth inning, combining for a magical night of baseball that ended in a dominant 8-1 victory over the San Diego Padres.
Spencer Steer became the first Reds player since 2021 to hit three home runs in a single game, driving in six of the team's eight runs.
The story of the night was Nick Martinez's absolute mastery on the mound. After issuing a walk in the first inning, he was untouchable, retiring an incredible 22 consecutive Padres batters. The ballpark buzzed with every out as the '0' remained on the scoreboard. He entered the ninth inning just three outs away from history, but a leadoff double by Elias Díaz broke the spell. Despite falling short, Martinez received a thunderous standing ovation after 8+ brilliant innings, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out six on 112 pitches. It was a career-defining start that will be remembered all season.
While Martinez silenced the Padres' bats, Spencer Steer was making all the noise. The versatile slugger had a historic night, blasting solo home runs in the first and third innings before crushing a grand slam in the fourth. His three homers in his first three at-bats accounted for six RBIs, single-handedly powering the Reds' offense. It was a stunning display of power that made him the first Red since 2021 to accomplish the three-homer feat, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the lineup.
The offensive fireworks weren't limited to Steer. Elly De La Cruz chipped in with another multi-hit game, continuing his torrid pace and providing a spark at the top of the order. His consistent production has been a key driver of the team's recent success. On the roster front, the team made a move before the game, placing outfielder Connor Joe on the 10-day IL with hand, foot and mouth disease. In his place, Ryan Vilade was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to provide depth off the bench.
With a performance that felt like it was ripped from the history books, the Reds showed their explosive potential on both sides of the ball. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. As they look to build on this incredible momentum, the question is whether this is a single brilliant flash or the start of a sustained mid-summer surge. All eyes will be on the rubber match tomorrow to see if they can carry this energy forward and secure a massive series win.
