Spencer Steer's 3 HRs and Nick Martinez's near no-hitter led the Reds to an 8-1 win over the Padres on June 28, 2025. Read the historic game recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
On a night when Great American Ball Park honored the legends of the Big Red Machine, the current Cincinnati Reds decided to write a chapter of their own history. In a breathtaking display of power and pitching, the Reds dismantled the San Diego Padres 8-1, fueled by Spencer Steer's historic three-homer game and a masterful near no-hitter from Nick Martinez that kept over 26,000 fans on the edge of their seats.
'That was one of the best offensive performances I’ve seen in a long time.' - Manager Terry Francona on Spencer Steer's three-homer night.
Spencer Steer put on a one-man power show, becoming the first Reds player since 2012 to launch three home runs in a single game. Steer ambushed Padres starter Dylan Cease in his first three plate appearances, sending a trio of solo shots into the Cincinnati sky. He finished the night 3-for-4 with a staggering five RBIs, providing the offensive fireworks that perfectly complemented the pitching gem unfolding on the mound. It was a career-defining performance that had the entire ballpark buzzing every time he stepped into the batter's box.
While Steer handled the offense, Nick Martinez was busy flirting with immortality. The right-hander was simply untouchable, carrying a no-hitter deep into the ninth inning. After a first-inning walk, Martinez retired an incredible 22 consecutive Padres batters, mixing his pitches with surgical precision. The dream ended with one out in the ninth when Elias Díaz lined a double, but the result was already secure. Martinez left to a thunderous standing ovation, his final line a testament to his dominance: 8+ innings, one hit, two walks, and six strikeouts on 112 pitches. It was the closest any Reds pitcher has come to a no-no since Wade Miley's in 2021.
The timing of this spectacular performance couldn't have been more perfect. With alumni from the 1975-76 World Series champion teams in attendance for their 50th-anniversary celebration, the current squad put on a show worthy of their legendary predecessors. The dominant 8-1 victory wasn't just a win; it was a tribute, connecting the franchise's celebrated past with its exciting present in front of a packed and appreciative crowd.
This wasn't just another win in a 162-game season; it was a statement. On a night dedicated to the ghosts of championships past, the 2025 Reds showed they have the talent and the fire to create their own legendary moments. As the series against the Padres continues, the question is no longer if this team can compete, but how high they can climb. Let's see if they can carry this incredible momentum into tomorrow's game.
