Reds Outfielder’s Spectacular Catch Keeps Pirates at Bay

It seemed like the Mets and Diamondbacks were set to benefit from a Pirates misstep, but Reds outfielder Noelvi Marte had other plans.

As the game entered the ninth inning, the Reds were narrowly ahead, 2-1. Marte, patrolling right field, snatched what would have been a game-tying home run, securing the victory for Cincinnati and pulling them within half a game of the Mets.

With the Pirates stepping up for an eighth run, outfielder Brian Reynolds faced off against Emilio Pagan once more.

Reynolds connected, sending a 3-0 pitch deep to right. Marte, running back towards the warning track, timed his jump perfectly, reaching the top of the wall to make a crucial snag.

After just one pitch, Marte caught the final out, sealing the game.

Reds manager Terry Francona, a two-time World Series champion, remarked on the catch, saying, “In this situation, this is one of the best plays I’ve ever seen.”

Interestingly, stats from baseball’s Savant indicate that Reynolds’ fly ball, which traveled 348 feet, would have been a home run in seven out of twenty ballparks—definitely a tense moment for Reds fans, considering it was out of Marte’s reach.

Considering Marte had not played outfield prior to this season, this game marked his 51st appearance at Great American Ballpark in 2025.

Francona acknowledged the significance of the play and the team’s outfield coach, Colin Cowgill, who had worked closely with Marte over the past few months. “He’s been working very hard with him,” Francona added. “And that’s pretty cool.”

This win not only prevented the Reds from being swept in their final series against the struggling Pirates but also intensified the competition for the NL’s third wildcard spot, placing pressure on the rigid Mets and Diamondbacks.