Nick Martinez silenced Cincinnati over eight strong innings as the Rays beat the Reds 6-1 and snapped a three-game skid at home.

Nick Martinez gave the Tampa Bay Rays exactly what they needed Wednesday: a calm, commanding outing against the team he knows well. Behind Martinez’s sharp work on the mound and a steady offensive attack, the Rays beat the Reds 6-1 to avoid a sweep and put an end to a three-game losing streak.

After watching Cincinnati pile up runs the night before, Tampa Bay answered with a much cleaner brand of baseball. Martinez, who joined the Rays on a one-year, $13 million contract before the season, worked eight innings and gave up just one run while striking out five. He kept the Reds from ever building momentum and put Tampa Bay in control from the start.

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The Rays did their damage early against Brandon Williamson, taking advantage of shaky command in the second inning. Two late walks opened the door, and Tampa Bay capitalized. Ben Williamson delivered an RBI single, Chandler Simpson brought home another run with a sacrifice fly, and Yandy Díaz added a run-scoring hit as the Rays quickly built a three-run cushion.

That was more than enough support for Martinez, but Tampa Bay kept pressing. Junior Caminero launched a home run in the third, then added another RBI later in the game. Ryan Vilade also chipped in with a run-scoring single, while Díaz finished with three hits in one of his best games of the season.

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Cincinnati’s lone breakthrough came on an RBI double by Spencer Steer in the fifth, but the Reds never threatened much beyond that. Elly De La Cruz, fresh off a two-homer performance the day before, was held without a hit in three at-bats.

For the Rays, the win was about more than just avoiding a sweep. It was a needed reset after a rough stretch and a reminder of how effective they can be when the starting pitching sets the tone. Martinez did exactly that, and Tampa Bay followed his lead.