GOODYEAR, Arizona — Matt McLain delivered the game’s lone run with a two-out single in the third inning, helping the Cincinnati Reds (10-14-1) secure a 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday at Goodyear Ballpark. The win snapped the Reds’ seven-game losing streak in Cactus League play.
Reds outfield prospect Ethan O’Donnell, who entered the game in left field, made a key defensive play in the eighth inning, throwing out a runner at home who was attempting to score from second on a single.
Nick Martinez in Control
Set to make his season debut on March 30 against the Giants, Reds No. 3 starter Nick Martinez looked sharp in his four-inning outing against the Angels.
Martinez allowed just one hit—a popup that third baseman Gavin Lux lost in the sun, which eventually fell near the mound due to the wind. He struck out six, walked three, and recorded three of his strikeouts in the first inning alone.
“Nick Martinez I thought was really good,” manager Terry Francona said. “They had some strong at-bats against him and worked his pitch count up.”
Martinez was capped at five innings for the game.
Sam Moll Finds His Groove
Left-handed reliever Sam Moll, who had struggled throughout spring training, turned in his first perfect inning of the Cactus League season. His clean frame included a strikeout of former Reds catcher Chuckie Robinson on a called third strike, which the Angels unsuccessfully challenged.
“Sometimes, just letting them have a clean inning is good for everybody,” Francona said.
Ian Gibaut Strengthens Roster Case
Right-hander Ian Gibaut, a key member of the Reds’ bullpen in 2023 before missing most of the season due to a forearm injury, continued to impress.
In his team-leading ninth Cactus League appearance, Gibaut breezed through a 1-2-3 seventh inning, striking out two batters as he pushed for one of the final bullpen spots.