Reds right fielder Noelvi Marte made arguably the team's best defensive play of the season -- at the best possible time.

With one out in the ninth, Marte ranged to his left and skied to take back Bryan Reynolds' bid for a game-tying solo home run, preserving Cincinnati's 2-1 win over the Pirates . The victory pulled the Reds (81-78) to within a half-game of the Mets for the third National League Wild Card spot; New York takes on the Cubs at Wrigley Field at 7:40 ET tonight.

Marte also drove in a run and scored another on behalf of starter Nick Lodolo , who tied a career high with 12 strikeouts before departing with one out in the seventh with a right groin injury. The team termed it as a precautionary move.

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