Nick Martinez, Tyler Stephenson Lead Reds Over Royals 7-4

Nick Martinez pitched seven strong innings, allowing three runs on six hits with two strikeouts and no walks, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Tyler Stephenson had a standout performance with three hits, including a two-run homer that increased the Reds' lead to 6-0, and totaled three RBIs. The Reds jumped ahead early, scoring in the first inning and adding three more runs in the third against Royals starter Michael Lorenzen, who struggled by giving up six runs on 11 hits. Cincinnati’s offense was consistent, with contributions from players like Gavin Lux, TJ Friedl, and Austin Hays, while the Royals' Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the seventh to narrow the gap. Martinez was efficient on the mound, needing only 67 pitches to complete six shutout innings before giving up runs in the seventh, and the Reds extended their dominance over the Royals in Kansas City with this win. The victory also marked a bounce-back after a recent loss, with Martinez emerging as a reliable second starter behind Hunter Greene for Cincinnati.