Nick Martinez and Terry Francona Discuss Martinez's Struggles in Loss Against Twins

A tough outing for the veteran.

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) pulls pitcher Nick Martinez (28) in the third inning of the MLB interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Minnesota Twins at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The Twins led 9-4 after four innings. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Reds were going for their fifth consecutive win on Thursday, but the Minnesota Twins had other ideas.

For the second consecutive day, Byron Buxton homered in the first at-bat of the game. That would be one of three home runs that Reds' starting pitcher Nick Martinez would allow in his short outing.

"I think it comes down to execution," Martinez said. "Giving up the long ball and some hard contact, it's going to come down to location and execution."

It's the second consecutive outing that Martinez has allowed three home runs. That is a little bit of a concern for a pitcher who is known for limitng hard contact.

"I thought he had good stuff," Reds manager Terry Francona said. "I thought he made some mistakes and he paid heavily for them...When you're not throwing 98, your margin for error is a little bit less. He just didn't locate like he needs to."

The Reds still won the series and have won four consecutive series. They will travel to St. Louis to take on the Cardinals in a three-game set over the weekend.

You can watch Francona and Martinez's full postgame interviews below:

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

You May Also Like:

MLB Insider Makes Bold Declaration Following Hunter Greene's Latest Start for Reds

Reds' Ace Hunter Greene Showcases Leadership With Support of Ian Gibaut 

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

-----

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram