Instant Reaction: Noelvi Marte Has Big Game at the Plate, Reds Beat Pirates 2-1

CINCINNATI- The Reds went into Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates looking to avoid a series loss in the four-game series. Nick Martinez returned to the rotation with Nick Lodolo going on the injured list. Braxton Ashcraft started for the Pirates in an opener role. Here are our takeaways from tonight's game:

Nick Martinez pitched a gem. His final line would read seven innings, four hits, one run, two walks and four strikeouts.

Scoring Summary:

The Pirates would score the first run in the third inning. Jared Triolo doubled, and Spencer Horowitz singled to lead off the inning. Tommy Pham would drive in Triolo on a sacrifice fly. Martinez would escape the inning on a forceout and a strikeout.

The Reds would respond in the top half to tie the game. Spencer Steer singled, and Noelvi Marte would follow him with a double down the left field line, scoring Steer from first. In the seventh, Noelvi Marte would double to lead off the inning. Marte had two of the Reds' three extra-base hits. He would advance on a ground-out and score on a TJ Friedl sacrifice fly.

Bullpen:

Tony Santillan had a solid bounce-back outing after blowing the lead in yesterday's game. He would record two groundouts after walking Pham. Bryan Reynolds would ground out to Spencer Steer to end the inning.

Emilio Pagan would earn the save, his 25th of the season. He walked Oneil Cruz to lead off the ninth, got Andrew McCutchen to fly out, and got the final two outs on a double play on a line drive to Elly De La Cruz. Elly would throw out Oneil Cruz to end the game.

Game Notes:

The Reds went 0-10 with runners in scoring position.
Noelvi Marte was responsible for three of the Reds' four extra base hits, Miguel Andujar also doubled.
The Reds left eight runners on base.
Elly's throw to double up Oneil Cruz was 90.8 MPH.

On Deck:

The Reds look to salvage a series split on Sunday and come away with a winning road trip. Zack Littell (9-8, 3.46 ERA) will face off against Mike Burrows (1-4, 4.45 ERA). Littell is coming off an impressive team debut. He pitched seven innings with seven strikeouts, three hits, and just one walk. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

Report: Reds' Top Prospect Chase Burns to Start Season in Dayton

Cincinnati Reds Ace Hunter Greene Being Disrespected By National Media Ahead of 2025 Regular Season

Watch: Ranking Cincinnati Reds’ Most Important Players Ahead of 2025 MLB Regular Season

Terry Francona Explains Why He Decided to Return to Baseball and Manage the Cincinnati Reds in 2025

Cincinnati Reds Second Baseman Matt McLain Made BIG Change That Could Impact His Future With the Club

Cincinnati Reds Right Hander Brady Singer Has Added a New Pitch to His Arsenal This Offseason

Cincinnati Reds Catcher Tyler Stephenson Expected to Miss Start of 2025 Regular Season With Oblique Injury

Cincinnati Reds Make Flurry of Roster Moves With Opening Day Looming

Look: Cincinnati Reds May Be Getting New Uniforms for 2025 Regular Season

Great American Ballpark Has Been Disrespected By National Media

Great American Ballpark Ranked Among MLB’s WORST Stadiums Ahead of 2025 MLB Season

Cincinnati Reds Release Tribute Video Honoring Pete Rose Following His Death

Pete Rose Shared POWERFUL Thoughts on Possible Hall of Fame Induction Before He Died