Cardinals starter Carlos Martinez did not pitch poorly on Saturday, but he was left with his sixth loss of the season in the 8-0 defeat by the Padres. Martinez allowed three runs on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out six, but the Cardinals' offense was unable to get anything going against Ian Kennedy.
Martinez (12-6, 2.85 ERA) pitched well through the first six innings, allowing just one run. But things fell apart for him in the seventh, when he allowed three of the first four men to reach safely. He was lifted from the game at that point, but the bullpen allowed those two runs, and five more, to score in the inning.
Martinez may be wearing down as the season reaches its final stages. After going strong for most of the year, the young right-hander has now allowed three or more runs in four of his last five outings.