Nick Martinez is set to make the biggest start of his life on Friday night. The Tampa Bay Rays announced today that the former Spokane Indians pitcher will get the ball for Game 1 of the World Series, squaring off against the Milwaukee Brewers and their ace, Jacob Misiorowski.
"It's exciting. As a team and as a staff, we're confident in whoever we call up to the mound," said Martinez. "It fell on me, and my job is to rack up as many outs as we can and keep us in the his game."
The right-hander enjoyed a career season with the Rays, finishing 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.094 in 31 starts while making his first career All-Star appearance at age 35 (he turned 36 on August 5th). Martinez was at his best on the road this season, posting a 2.38 ERA in 16 starts away from Tropicana Field and holding Cleveland to just one run over 5.1 innings in Game 4 of the ALCS at Progressive Field.
“When Nick pitches, we win,” said Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash. “Excited to hand Nick the ball in Game 1, and we'll go from there.”
Originally an 18th-round pick of the Texas Rangers out of Fordham University, Martinez posted a 2.54 ERA while striking out 37 against 16 walks in 39 innings with the Spokane Indians in 2011. He made his MLB debut with Texas on April 5, 2014, holding the Tampa Bay Rays to three runs on four hits over six innings. Overall, the right-hander has recorded a 63-65 record, 3.99 ERA, 1.269 WHIP, nine saves, 779 strikeouts and 315 walks in 311 games (160 GS).
Martinez will be the first Indians alum to start a World Series game since Zack Greinke took the mound for the Houston Astros in Game 4 of the 2021 Fall Classic vs. Washington.
ABOUT THE SPOKANE INDIANS
The Spokane Indians are the High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies located in Spokane Valley, Wash. The Indians have played at Avista Stadium, home to the MultiCare Kids Bench Seat, since 1958 and have been a proud member of the Spokane community since 1903. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians Office and Team Store are open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Fridays.