Martinez leads Reds to 1-0 victory over Braves in seven innings

On Monday night, Nick Martinez delivered an impressive performance, pitching seven innings and allowing only two hits against the Atlanta Braves. This game was a rescheduled matchup from a rainout in July. Ty France contributed to the Reds' victory with an RBI double in the second inning, scoring TJ Friedl, who had been hit by a pitch. Martinez's dominance was evident as he struck out five batters and retired 17 consecutive hitters, showcasing his ability to control the game. The Braves, who were vying for a wild card spot, faced a setback with this loss, dropping to a 4-4 record in September. Their struggles in one-run games continued, as they fell to 16-22 in such matchups this season. Charlie Morton, the Braves' pitcher, had a solid outing, striking out seven and allowing just one run, but it was not enough to secure a win. Cincinnati's bullpen also played a crucial role in maintaining the lead, with Fernando Cruz and Alexis Díaz combining for a flawless eighth and ninth inning, respectively. Díaz earned his 27th save of the season, further solidifying the Reds' defensive efforts. Despite leaving nine runners on base, the Reds managed to secure the narrow victory. This win marked a significant moment for the Reds, as they continued to build momentum in their season. The Braves, on the other hand, faced challenges in their pursuit of a playoff spot, highlighting the competitive nature of the National League as the season progresses.