Reds Win 8th Straight As Martinez Nears No-Hitter, Steer Homers Thrice

The Cincinnati Reds nearly achieved two historic baseball feats in their 8-1 win over the San Diego Padres, as Nick Martinez came within three outs of a no-hitter and Spencer Steer hit three home runs, just missing a fourth. Martinez held the Padres hitless into the ninth inning before Elias Diaz broke up the bid with a double, matching his career high of 112 pitches while walking two and striking out six. Steer's three homers put him close to becoming only the second Reds player ever to hit four in a game, but he struck out in his final at-bat. Despite falling short of individual history, the Reds became the first MLB team in at least the expansion era (since 1961) to have a pitcher deliver an 8+ inning no-hit bid and a player hit three home runs in the same game. The performance marked a significant turnaround for Martinez, who had struggled in his previous start, and drew standing ovations for both players from the home crowd. Reds manager Terry Francona praised both players for their efforts, emphasizing the special nature of the night.