Colorado Rockies: Greg Holland flashes quick reflexes on grounder (video)

The ninth inning of Monday’s game featuring the Colorado Rockies against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field may be remembered for the walkoff walk earned by Carlos Gonzalez to give the Rockies a much-needed 4-3 win. However, a play that happened in the top of the ninth certainly deserves a look back for not only its momentum swing but also some quick reflexes by a Colorado pitcher.

Rockies closer Greg Holland, pitching for the second consecutive day, was brought in to start the ninth inning with Colorado and San Francisco tied at 3. Holland retired Brandon Crawford on a grounder to second to open the frame before Pablo Sandoval stepped to the plate.

On an 0-1 pitch, Sandoval ripped a grounder right back at Holland, who fielded the ball on one bounce as he fell backward on the mound. Still reclining on the mound, Holland was able to throw the ball to Ian Desmond for the second out of the inning.

The crowd reached its loudest point of the day after Holland’s health-saving grounder, which was measured by Statcast at 105.8 miles per hour. Check out the play below.

"More from Rox PileA Colorado Rockies ThanksgivingColorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton had played football instead?Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the seasonColorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers seriesColorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?“It was just one of those things where you see a blur of a ball and try to react to it. Try to protect yourself as much as you can. Luckily, I was able to protect myself and we got an out,” Holland told Rox Pile in an exclusive interview on Tuesday afternoon."

Holland said he heard the crowd explode after the play, but believes the reaction was because of what the out meant in the course of the game.

"“It got loud but I think it was moreso that the people here understand where we’re at in the season and that we needed to win that game,” Holland said. “The last couple of innings, they were understanding how much every out was worth and getting us a chance to get back in the dugout and win it in the ninth.”"

Holland said third baseman Nolan Arenado came over after the hard comebacker to check on him and see if he needed a breather. Luckily, Holland didn’t feel any effects from the hard-hit ball.

Next: Ian Desmond discusses playing shortstop for the first time since 2015

The 31-year-old right-hander pitched his third consecutive 1-2-3 inning, a promising sign for the Rockies after Holland struggled mightily throughout the majority of August. He finished the month with a 1-4 mark and 13.50 ERA, converting just three of his six save opportunities after nailing down 33 of his first 34 chances in an All-Star season.