Colorado Rockies: Watch this diving stop by Mark Reynolds (video)

More often than not, a Major League pitcher who has a strong outing will often have a strong defense behind him. Such was the case with Colorado Rockies starter Jon Gray on Saturday night at Coors Field.

Gray, considered the ace of the Rockies staff, threw seven strong innings as the Rockies earned a 8-5 decision over the Philadelphia Phillies in the second game of a three-game series. The win was the second in two games over the Phillies and fourth in five games so far on this homestand, which concludes on Sunday against Philadelphia.

Helping Gray to the win, however, was not only Colorado’s red-hot offense, but also the defensive play of Mark Reynolds at first base.

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In the bottom of the fifth, with the Rockies holding an 8-1 lead, Philadelphia mounted a threat to grab the momentum. Maikel Franco started the uprising with a one-out single and Jorge Alfaro followed with another single. After a groundout from Mark Leiter Jr., Cesar Hernandez drew the only walk surrendered by Gray on the night to load the bases.

After a visit to the mound to discuss strategy with Gray, Freddy Galvis stepped to the plate. He ripped a 2-1 pitch from Gray toward first base for what looked like a bases-clearing double. Reynolds, however, had other plans.

Check out the diving stop from Reynolds below that not only stopped Philadelphia’s momentum in its tracks but also kept Gray’s night sparkling and the Rockies in command.

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As we discussed in this article, Reynolds does not get enough credit for his defensive work at first base. Nolan Arenado has credited Reynolds on several occasions for his glove at first. On Saturday night, Reynolds once again proved that he is not only one of Colorado’s offensive leaders, but a very undervalued member of its stellar defensive infield as well.