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The Cincinnati Reds are still breathing in the NL Wild Card race, and they have Noelvi Marte to thank. His ninth-inning home run robbery Thursday afternoon didn't just secure a win over the Pittsburgh Pirates — it may have saved the team's season.
With two outs and a 2-1 lead at Great American Ball Park, Bryan Reynolds launched a deep fly to right. Marte sprinted, tracked the ball, timed his leap perfectly, and snagged it just over the fence. The game-saving catch preserved the lead and sealed a critical victory.
Manager Terry Francona 's reaction came immediately after the final out, and the veteran skipper didn't mince words.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), NBC 5 Cincinnati's Charlie Clifford captured Francona's high praise.
"Under the circumstances — that is one the of best plays I've ever seen."
The Talkin' Baseball podcast also shared the moment on the platform, posting the video with a caption that summed up the drama of Marte's moment.
"NOELVI MARTE MAY HAVE JUST SAVED THE REDS SEASON"
Marte also delivered offensively, going 1-for-4 with a run and an RBI. His all-around performance came at a critical time, with the Reds playoff push gaining urgency.
After being acquired in the deal that sent Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners , the 2022 MLB Draft pick has steadily emerged as a key piece for the Reds, especially following his transition from third base to center field.
Nick Lodolo struck out 12 before leaving in the seventh with a groin issue, casting uncertainty over his status for the final stretch. It's a potential setback as the Reds prepare for a crucial three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers , who own the best record in baseball.
The catch by Marte may become the defining image of the 2025 season. For a rising star under immense pressure and a team fighting to stay alive, it was a signature moment — one now sealed in highlight reels and possibly postseason lore.
Related: Noelvi Marte just saved Reds' season with home run robbery
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