Nick Martini felt a surge of energy from the crowd at the Reds’ first game when he hit his second home run of the day, sending the ball 405 feet into the right-field stands.
The 33-year-old, batting eighth as the designated hitter, had never started an opening-day game in the majors before. But he made the most of his opportunity, smashing a two-run homer in the second inning and following it up with a three-run blast in the third, helping Cincinnati secure an 8-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Thursday.
“It’s just one game, but it feels great to perform like that in front of so many fans and for the city,” said Martini, becoming the first Reds player since Adam Dunn in 2007 to hit two home runs on opening day. “I could sense it, especially after the second one. The crowd got really loud. It was amazing.”
Frankie Montas, in his Reds debut, pitched six scoreless innings. Montas, who signed a $16 million, one-year deal as a free agent, delivered an impressive performance, allowing just four hits over six innings.
The 31-year-old right-hander, making his 100th career start, struck out four batters and didn’t issue any walks. Montas underwent labrum surgery last February while with the New York Yankees and made his only appearance of the year on Sept. 30.
“I just wanted to go out there, enjoy myself, and put on a good show,” Montas said. “I know what I’m capable of when I’m healthy. Everyone knows what I can do when I’m at my best. This is me healthy, and I’m savoring every moment of it.”
Martini, playing for his fourth major league team since 2018, seized his chance on Thursday due to injuries to TJ Friedl and Matt McClain during spring training. He capitalized on the opportunity by hitting a first-pitch slider for his first home run in the second inning and then driving a 2-1 cutter for another homer in the third.
“We’ve always known he can hit, so it’s not surprising to see him excel like this, especially on opening day,” said Reds manager David Bell. “We got a glimpse of what he’s capable of and why he’s a valuable player.”
Spencer Steer also contributed with two hits and two RBIs for Cincinnati. Josiah Gray, on the other hand, struggled for the Nationals, allowing seven runs and eight hits in just four innings. The young pitcher, with six strikeouts and two walks, had a tough outing.
Eddie Rosario, making his Nationals debut, provided a bright spot with a two-run homer in the seventh inning against Emilio Pagán.
“We need to bounce back strong,” said Nationals manager Dave Martinez. “Opening day is always a bit strange, with a lot of adrenaline. We chased too many pitches today, which wasn’t a problem for us during spring training.”
