Reds’ Jay Bruce hits 3 homers for first time in career

Reds’ Bruce has first 3-HR game

CINCINNATI — Reds outfielder Jay Bruce homered in three consecutive at-bats for the best offensive showing of his career.

Bruce hit a solo homer and a three-run shot off Cubs left-hander Tom Gorzelanny on Friday night. He added another solo shot off reliever Scott Maine in the seventh for a 7-1 lead and the first three-homer game of his career.

The three homers came within a five pitches to Bruce and left him with 16 for the season. His five RBIs matched his career high.

He’s the 26th Reds player to hit three in a game — no one has more. Drew Stubbs also hit three against the Cubs at Wrigley field on July 4.

Bruce batted leadoff for the first time in two years, filling in while second baseman Brandon Phillips recovers from a bruised hand.