Debut to remember
CINCINNATI — Globs of white shaving cream clung to Jay Bruce's forehead, clogged his ears and dangled from his chin.
No better way to end his big day.
Bruce went 3-for-3 in his eagerly awaited debut, getting a standing ovation every time he came to the plate Tuesday night, and Adam Dunn hit a milestone three-run homer during the Cincinnati Reds' 9-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
As soon as it ended, Bruce got splattered with shaving cream courtesy of catcher David Ross, who sneaked in during an on-field interview for the traditional in-your-face celebration.
"Ah man, I don't think you can write it any better than this," the 21-year-old outfielder said.
Maybe in a Disney script.
The Reds beat the Pirates for the first time in four games this season and wiped away the aftertaste of their 2-5 trip to Los Angeles and San Diego, which ended with an 18-inning loss on Sunday. A pair of Texans led the way.
Dunn's three-run shot in the fifth off Ian Snell (2-4) was his eighth in his last 12 games. With 252 career homers, he moved ahead of Ted Kluszewski — the bare-armed "Big Klu" — for most by a left-handed Reds hitter.
The homer changed the game completely.
"He left the ball out for Dunn to hit, then kind of fell apart," Pirates manager John Russell said.
Dunn later added a run-scoring single as the Reds pulled ahead 9-3, then held on in the ninth.
The rest of the day belonged to Bruce, another Texan who is the Reds' top prospect. He had a pair of singles, a double, two walks, a stolen base and a pair of RBIs. He drew one standing ovation after another, and made it look so easy.
Pittsburgh couldn't take advantage of an off-night by rookie Johnny Cueto (3-5), who lasted only five innings and was in line for a loss until Dunn connected. The Pirates stranded 11 runners in the first six innings.
Adam LaRoche led Pittsburgh with a sacrifice fly and a two-run homer in the ninth. Ronny Paulino also had a two-out, solo shot in the ninth.
