SAN FRANCISCO -- Nolan Arenado was back to his showstopping ways on Wednesday in the Rockies' 5-3 loss, as he made a sensational play to rob Giants pitcher Ty Blach of a single in the third inning.
Facing Rockies starter Kyle Freeland, Blach slapped one to the hole on the left side of the infield. Then it was time for Arenado to show why he is the four-time reigning National League Gold Glove Award winner at third base.
Arenado dove to his left to stop the ball before it squirted out of his glove, and he grabbed it with his bare hand. Twirling on his back, Arenado fired a strike across the diamond to Mark Reynolds just in time to beat Blach.
Social media was instantly abuzz about the play, and Arenado himself sounded impressed.
"I saw a replay and it did look pretty cool," Arenado said. "Whatever gets the outs, that's what's important. That was fun to do. I wish I would have gloved it and not had to worry about that, but luckily enough, I got him out. … It looked pretty sweet."

Freeland, too, was taken aback by Arenado's latest display of brilliance.
"He can do some extraordinary things," Freeland said.
Arenado gave the Rockies a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning with a two-run single. He's batting .294 with 15 homers and 61 RBIs, which ranks third in the National League.

Arenado is also locked in a tight battle with Chicago's Kristopher Bryant for the starting third baseman spot at the MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard. In the latest round of the Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot voting results, Arenado trailed Bryant by just 58,000 votes. Fans have until 11:59 p.m. ET/9:59 p.m. MT tonight to cast their ballot for the Midsummer Classic.

"That was a great play," Rockies manager Bud Black said. "His dexterity, his hand-eye, softness of his hands, strength of his body -- he's able to make great plays."