Nick Martinez, Reds two-hit Braves for makeup-game win

Nick Martinez fired seven sharp innings on Monday, pitching the visiting Cincinnati Reds to a 1-0 win over the Atlanta Braves.

The game was the makeup of a postponement from July 24.

The Reds (70-75) scored the game’s only run in the second inning. TJ Friedl was hit by a pitch, the 18th batter plunked by Braves starter Charlie Morton this season. Ty France then laced an opposite-field double into the right field corner to drive home Friedl.

The loss dropped Atlanta (79-66) a half game behind the Mets in the race for the final National League wild card, pending New York’s result against the Toronto Blue Jays later Monday night.

Martinez (8-6) retired 17 consecutive batters until Matt Olson beat out an infield grounder with one out in the seventh inning. He allowed just two hits, one walk and struck out five. The right-hander has a 14-inning scoreless streak against the Braves dating back to April 19, 2023.

Martinez yielded two hits and a walk while striking out five.

Fernando Cruz pitched a 1-2-3 eighth, striking out two, and Alexis Diaz worked a perfect ninth to earn his 27th save and preserve Cincinnati’s sixth win in eight games. The three Reds pitchers combined on a two-hitter.

Morton (8-8) pitched well but was victimized by the lack of support. He pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed one run on six hits and two walks with seven strikeouts. He departed after allowing back-to-back two-out singles. Aaron Bummer entered in relief, and Noelvi Marte was thrown out trying to steal third base to end the threat.

France, Jake Fraley and Amed Rosario each had two of Cincinnati’s eight hits. Olson collected both of Atlanta’s hits, the first being a first-inning single.

The Braves were without catcher Travis d’Arnaud, who went on the paternity list when he wife unexpectedly went into labor. Chadwick Tromp was recalled to fill the roster spot, and Sean Murphy got the start behind the plate, going 0-for-3.

–Field Level Media