Marte's Catch Keeps Reds Within Half-Game

Noelvi Marte, who did not play the outfield in pro games until July and has made roughly 50 career outfield appearances this season, reached over the right-field wall to rob Bryan Reynolds of a ninth-inning, game-tying home run, preserving a 2-1 Cincinnati Reds win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The catch, with Marte extending above the first row at the eight-foot wall, was widely praised by manager Terry Francona and others as one of the season’s best plays. The victory moved the Reds to 81-78, a half-game behind the New York Mets for the final NL wild-card spot with three games remaining, and Cincinnati holds the tiebreaker. Nick Lodolo struck out 12 before leaving in the seventh with a right groin concern, and Emilio Pagán recorded his 30th save. Gavin Lux and Marte provided the offense, and the Reds have won 10 of 17 games as they continue to control their playoff fate.