May 14, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (6) pitches against the New York Mets during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Reds will aim for a season-high sixth consecutive victory on Tuesday night when they face the host Pittsburgh Pirates, who will attempt to snap a four-game skid.
The Reds will hand the ball to veteran right-hander Nick Martinez (2-4, 3.66 ERA), who has turned the corner in recent weeks after a rough start. He will oppose Pirates lefty Bailey Falter (2-3, 4.02) in the second game of a three-game series.
Martinez has compiled a 2.05 ERA with 21 strikeouts and only five walks over his past five starts. He has allowed two runs or fewer in four of those five outings. The hot stretch followed four starts to open the season during which he went 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA, allowing four home runs. Martinez has not yielded a home run over his past five appearances.
“I want to be a guy that’s reliable,” Martinez said after his most recent start, a Thursday win over the Chicago White Sox. “Somebody that gives this team a chance to win ballgames.”
Martinez was having trouble navigating through opposing lineups a third time, but he has been able to do it more effectively during his recent improvement. He has pitched at least six innings in each of his past four starts. Against the White Sox, Martinez threw seven shutout innings, allowing two hits and no walks and striking out three.
Martinez, a Miami native, began his turnaround in Miami when he allowed two runs on five hits and struck out four over 5 2/3 innings on April 22. Against Pittsburgh, he is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in six career appearances, including two starts.
“In the beginning, it was really just trusting my catchers,” Martinez said. “In the beginning, whoever was catching me was trying to get to know me. I was trying to see how they called the game. It’s really just getting into a groove with the catchers and narrowing my focus on just executing.”
Falter is coming off his shortest outing of the season, yet Pittsburgh ended that contest with a 3-0 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday. Falter gave up five walks and three hits in 3 2/3 scoreless innings.
“I was just out of my element a little bit,” he said. “Five walks just can’t happen.”
Statistically, though, Falter has been the Pirates’ best starter in May. He owns a 0.54 ERA and a .130 batting average against in his past three starts.
The Pirates have not won since Falter’s last start, though. Falter has been a source of good fortune of late for the team, which has won his past two starts.
Falter has gone 0-4 with a 6.81 ERA in nine career appearances, including seven starts, against the Reds.
The trend for Pittsburgh for most of this season has been seeing its rotation deliver quality starts only to not get run support, with defensive mistakes sometimes contributing to losses. Such an instance happened on Monday night when a sixth-inning throwing error by shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa led to the Reds’ go-ahead run in what ended up as a 7-1 loss.
“I want these guys to make plays. If we’re going out there to play defense to not make mistakes, we’re not in the frame of mind to be playing baseball,” said Pirates manager Don Kelly, who was promoted from bench coach when Derek Shelton was fired earlier this month. “That’s the challenge. Being in charge of the infield prior to this, that’s what I want the guys to do.”
–Field Level Media
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson thrilled about chance to win Olympic gold medal in flag football after NFL approval
Getty Images As soon as NFL owners unanimously approved allowing players try out for Olympic flag football when it debuts at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, hypothetical rosters full of the game's brightest stars started popping up.One of the most popular names on those rosters? Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson. He certainly won't have to be told twice."To be honest, I'm just [at] a loss of words," Jefferson said shortly after the announcement. "Just seeing the amount of kids that are really involved in this sport, seeing the women and men being involved, seeing it now being on a global stage is something that's so special. "Just to think about the chances of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal is a dream, just reverting back to being a kid and watching the track and field meets, watching basketball win […]
Saiba como estão investigações e julgamento dos casos de Bruno Henrique e Lucas Paquetá
O Grupo de Atuação Especial de Combate ao Crime Organizado realizou uma operação nesta terça-feira para cumprir mandados de busca na casa do atacante Ênio, do Juventude, e no estádio Alfredo Jaconi, no armário de uso pessoal do jogador. Ele está sendo investigado pelo Ministério Público do Rio Grande do Sul por suspeita de manipulação de aposta esportiva e entra para a lista de atletas em posição semelhante, como Lucas Paquetá, do West Ham e Bruno Henrique, do Flamengo. Vídeo: após morte de enteados em acidente de carro, filha de Mano Menezes desabafa que o momento 'é muito difícil'Quem é Ênio, jogador do Juventude investigado por suspeita de manipulação de apostas esportivas A operação de Ênio foi realizada após um pedido da CBF para obter provas de uma possível manipulação em apostas no jogo entre Juventude e Fortaleza, no dia […]
Saiba como estão investigações e julgamento dos casos de Bruno Henrique e Lucas Paquetá
O Grupo de Atuação Especial de Combate ao Crime Organizado realizou uma operação nesta terça-feira para cumprir mandados de busca na casa do atacante Ênio, do Juventude, e no estádio Alfredo Jaconi, no armário de uso pessoal do jogador. Ele está sendo investigado pelo Ministério Público do Rio Grande do Sul por suspeita de manipulação de aposta esportiva e entra para a lista de atletas em posição semelhante, como Lucas Paquetá, do West Ham e Bruno Henrique, do Flamengo. Vídeo: após morte de enteados em acidente de carro, filha de Mano Menezes desabafa que o momento 'é muito difícil'Quem é Ênio, jogador do Juventude investigado por suspeita de manipulação de apostas esportivas A operação de Ênio foi realizada após um pedido da CBF para obter provas de uma possível manipulação em apostas no jogo entre Juventude e Fortaleza, no dia […]
Boston starter Walker Buehler, manager Alex Cora ejected after erupting at umpire over call
Walker Buehler and Alex Cora didn’t last very long at Fenway Park on Tuesday night.The Boston Red Sox starter and manager were both tossed from their matchup with the New York Mets on Tuesday after they erupted at home plate umpire Mike Estabrook over what looked like a very clear strike call.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut, when Estabrook called it a ball in the third inning, Buehler lost it. He could be seen mouthing a very clear, ‘F**k you’ at Estabrook, who quickly threw him out of the game. Cora quickly came out and engaged with Estabrook after that. But, following a little back and forth, Estabrook decided to throw Cora out of the game, too.The ejection was the 18th of Cora’s career. It was Buehler’s second, both of which have now come against the Mets. Tuesday night was Buehler’s comeback start after he […]
Red Sox starter Walker Buehler, manager Alex Cora ejected after arguing with ump
<!--> Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler was ejected in the third inning against the New York Mets on Tuesday night and manager Alex Cora followed him to the clubhouse after heated arguments with umpire Mike Estabrook.Buehler and Estabrook exchanged words after Francisco Lindor, who was hit by a hit, stole second on a pitch Estabrook called a ball, pushing the count on Juan Soto to 2-0.The right-hander's response drew Estabrook from behind the plate, where he held up his hand and indicated Buehler had said enough. Buehler continued and quickly got tossed, prompting Cora to come running from the dugout.ADVERTISEMENT -->Cora shouted in Estabrook’s face for a while and first base umpire Laz Diaz eventually stepped in to keep the two apart. Cora made contact with Diaz as he continued to verbally let loose on Estabrook, then finally made his […]
Knicks vs. Pacers: Ranking rivalry’s top five moments, from Reggie Miller’s ‘choke’ to John Starks’ headbutt
Getty Images Of course the New York Knicks' first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years would be against the Indiana Pacers.Indiana was the Knicks' opponent the last time they made it this far (in 2000) and this will mark the ninth time the two franchises have faced off in the postseason. They met in last year's Eastern Conference semifinals, but six of those showdowns took place from 1993 through 2000 with each team winning three series apiece. Of those six series, two went the distance and are regarded as two of the most memorable playoff battles of all-time. The Pacers were led back then by Reggie Miller, the stealthy sharp shooter whose trash talk was just as effective as his three-point shot. The Knicks were spearheaded by Patrick Ewing, a future Hall of Fame center who didn't particularly have a […]
Related
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson thrilled about chance to win Olympic gold medal in flag football after NFL approval
Getty Images As soon as NFL owners unanimously approved allowing players try out for Olympic flag football when it debuts at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, hypothetical rosters full of the game's brightest stars started popping up.One of the most popular names on those rosters? Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson. He certainly won't have to be told twice."To be honest, I'm just [at] a loss of words," Jefferson said shortly after the announcement. "Just seeing the amount of kids that are really involved in this sport, seeing the women and men being involved, seeing it now being on a global stage is something that's so special. "Just to think about the chances of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal is a dream, just reverting back to being a kid and watching the track and field meets, watching basketball win […]
Saiba como estão investigações e julgamento dos casos de Bruno Henrique e Lucas Paquetá
O Grupo de Atuação Especial de Combate ao Crime Organizado realizou uma operação nesta terça-feira para cumprir mandados de busca na casa do atacante Ênio, do Juventude, e no estádio Alfredo Jaconi, no armário de uso pessoal do jogador. Ele está sendo investigado pelo Ministério Público do Rio Grande do Sul por suspeita de manipulação de aposta esportiva e entra para a lista de atletas em posição semelhante, como Lucas Paquetá, do West Ham e Bruno Henrique, do Flamengo. Vídeo: após morte de enteados em acidente de carro, filha de Mano Menezes desabafa que o momento 'é muito difícil'Quem é Ênio, jogador do Juventude investigado por suspeita de manipulação de apostas esportivas A operação de Ênio foi realizada após um pedido da CBF para obter provas de uma possível manipulação em apostas no jogo entre Juventude e Fortaleza, no dia […]
Saiba como estão investigações e julgamento dos casos de Bruno Henrique e Lucas Paquetá
O Grupo de Atuação Especial de Combate ao Crime Organizado realizou uma operação nesta terça-feira para cumprir mandados de busca na casa do atacante Ênio, do Juventude, e no estádio Alfredo Jaconi, no armário de uso pessoal do jogador. Ele está sendo investigado pelo Ministério Público do Rio Grande do Sul por suspeita de manipulação de aposta esportiva e entra para a lista de atletas em posição semelhante, como Lucas Paquetá, do West Ham e Bruno Henrique, do Flamengo. Vídeo: após morte de enteados em acidente de carro, filha de Mano Menezes desabafa que o momento 'é muito difícil'Quem é Ênio, jogador do Juventude investigado por suspeita de manipulação de apostas esportivas A operação de Ênio foi realizada após um pedido da CBF para obter provas de uma possível manipulação em apostas no jogo entre Juventude e Fortaleza, no dia […]
Boston starter Walker Buehler, manager Alex Cora ejected after erupting at umpire over call
Walker Buehler and Alex Cora didn’t last very long at Fenway Park on Tuesday night.The Boston Red Sox starter and manager were both tossed from their matchup with the New York Mets on Tuesday after they erupted at home plate umpire Mike Estabrook over what looked like a very clear strike call.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut, when Estabrook called it a ball in the third inning, Buehler lost it. He could be seen mouthing a very clear, ‘F**k you’ at Estabrook, who quickly threw him out of the game. Cora quickly came out and engaged with Estabrook after that. But, following a little back and forth, Estabrook decided to throw Cora out of the game, too.The ejection was the 18th of Cora’s career. It was Buehler’s second, both of which have now come against the Mets. Tuesday night was Buehler’s comeback start after he […]
Red Sox starter Walker Buehler, manager Alex Cora ejected after arguing with ump
<!--> Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler was ejected in the third inning against the New York Mets on Tuesday night and manager Alex Cora followed him to the clubhouse after heated arguments with umpire Mike Estabrook.Buehler and Estabrook exchanged words after Francisco Lindor, who was hit by a hit, stole second on a pitch Estabrook called a ball, pushing the count on Juan Soto to 2-0.The right-hander's response drew Estabrook from behind the plate, where he held up his hand and indicated Buehler had said enough. Buehler continued and quickly got tossed, prompting Cora to come running from the dugout.ADVERTISEMENT -->Cora shouted in Estabrook’s face for a while and first base umpire Laz Diaz eventually stepped in to keep the two apart. Cora made contact with Diaz as he continued to verbally let loose on Estabrook, then finally made his […]
Knicks vs. Pacers: Ranking rivalry’s top five moments, from Reggie Miller’s ‘choke’ to John Starks’ headbutt
Getty Images Of course the New York Knicks' first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years would be against the Indiana Pacers.Indiana was the Knicks' opponent the last time they made it this far (in 2000) and this will mark the ninth time the two franchises have faced off in the postseason. They met in last year's Eastern Conference semifinals, but six of those showdowns took place from 1993 through 2000 with each team winning three series apiece. Of those six series, two went the distance and are regarded as two of the most memorable playoff battles of all-time. The Pacers were led back then by Reggie Miller, the stealthy sharp shooter whose trash talk was just as effective as his three-point shot. The Knicks were spearheaded by Patrick Ewing, a future Hall of Fame center who didn't particularly have a […]
Be the first to leave a comment