Nick Martinez spun 5 2/3 shutout innings against the Rockies with four strikeouts, zero walks, and six hits to earn his 11th win in a 4-0 game on Wednesday.
Even Coors Field was no match for Martinez’s sometimes shocking ability to keep runs off the board. In this game he didn’t force many whiffs, the Rockies had seven hard-hit balls, and put constant traffic on the bases. It amounted to nothing though as Martinez had his 16th start this season where he’s allowed two or fewer runs while completing at least five innings. His changeup and sinker forced enough timely ground balls and he did well to not allow a free pass despite only throwing a first-pitch strike to 12 of the 22 batters faced. His 2.65 ERA is fourth-lowest in the American League as his highly effective season rolls on. Next up will be another tall task as Martinez is scheduled to face the Athletics in hitter-friendly Sacramento.
