Noelvi Marté’s Game-Saving Catch Lifts Reds Over Pirates 2-1, Cincinnati Gains Ground in NL Wild Card Race

Thursday, September 25th, 2025

Cincinnati Reds Edge Out Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1, Move Closer in NL Wild Card Race

Noelvi Marté delivered a game-saving defensive play in the ninth inning to deny Bryan Reynolds a tying home run, helping the Cincinnati Reds secure a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. With this triumph, the Reds narrowed the gap to just half a game behind the New York Mets for the final National League wild card spot.

Pitching Prowess: Lodolo's Dominant Performance

Reds' left-hander Nick Lodolo matched his career high by striking out 12 batters in just over six innings. Lodolo, who departed after 6 1/3 innings due to a right groin injury, threw 81 pitches and induced 27 swings and misses, with 15 coming on his devastating curveball. Lodolo has shown the ability to dominate, recording identical strikeout numbers against Philadelphia in 2023.

Offensive Highlights and Defensive Gems

Noelvi Marté and Gavin Lux provided key offense for the Reds, each driving in a run. Marté stole the show in the ninth inning, leaping high above the right-field wall to catch a 348-foot drive from Bryan Reynolds, preventing the Pirates from tying the game. Marté continued his defensive excellence, making all three putouts in the final inning, including the last out off Andrew McCutchen's liner.

Key Moment

The defining play came when Marté robbed Reynolds of a potential home run in the ninth, cementing the Reds' narrow lead and sparking the home crowd. Marté sprinted down the right-field line to secure the final out and seal the win for Cincinnati.

Key Stat

The Reds demonstrated resilience in their playoff push, bouncing back after being six games out of the wild card spot earlier in September. Following a tough stretch of 10 losses in 13 games, Cincinnati has rebounded to win 10 of their last 17 contests.

Pitching Matchups Up Next

For the Pirates, Mitch Keller (6-15, 4.22 ERA) will take the mound in Atlanta to open a series against the Braves and left-hander Joey Wentz (5-6, 5.46 ERA). The Reds head to Milwaukee, where Zack Littell (10-8, 3.86 ERA) will face Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (13-2, 3.25 ERA) on Friday.

Game Notes

Braxton Ashcraft started for Pittsburgh, allowing two runs on a career-high eight hits over 4 1/3 innings. Nick Yorke drove in the Pirates’ only run with an eighth-inning groundout. The game began after a rain delay of one hour and 22 minutes, with Cincinnati taking the series finale to avoid a sweep.

In summary

The Cincinnati Reds kept their postseason hopes alive with a thrilling 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighted by standout performances from Nick Lodolo on the mound and Noelvi Marté in the field. Their victory pulls them within striking distance of the final NL wild card spot as the season nears its conclusion, setting up pivotal matchups in the coming days for both teams.

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