Outfielder Jay Bruce has always been a solid player offensively but his defense is considered average, at best. Both sides of the spectrum were shown today and Bruce ended up being the most important player for both teams as the St. Louis Cardinals topped the Cincinnati Reds by a 7-5 score at Busch Stadium.
The Reds came out firing and scored three runs in the first inning. A two-RBI triple from Jay Bruce and a sac fly from Ryan Ludwick gave Cincinnati an early lead against starter Lance Lynn. Speedster Billy Hamilton added an RBI single in the second to push the lead to four runs but St. Louis shifted momentum and scored four runs during the bottom part of that same inning.
Yadier Molina kicked things off with a solo shot, his third of the season in only eight games. Peter Bourjos scored on an RBI single from Matt Carpenter and a triple from Kolten Wong scored both Carpenter and Lynn to even things up after two.
Joey Votto scored on an RBI groundout from Ryan Ludwick and the Reds had a one-run lead going into the sixth. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, that’s when Jay Bruce made a huge impact in the game for St. Louis.
Matt Holiday launched a two-out double deep into right field and Jay Bruce couldn’t field it. Instead of closing out the inning scoreless, Peter Bourjos and Matt Carpenter crossed home plate and the Cardinals grabbed a 6-5 lead that they wouldn’t let go anymore.
Peter Bourjos added an RBI single in the seventh to close the score and the rest was up to the Cards’ bullpen. Carlos Martinez and Trevor Rosenthal shut the door and St. Louis ended up getting a huge win against a team that’s expected to contend for the NL Central crown this season.
Clearly they have to thank Jay Bruce for helping them out tonight.