CINCINNATI, Ohio -- An error that let in a run, a two-run homer that turned things around. [url=http://www.baseballbravesproshop.com/dale-murphy-braves-jersey/]Dal e Murphy Braves Jersey[/url] . Jay Bruces introduction to first base ended up being a big hit. Bruce played first base for the first time

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- An error that let in a run, a two-run homer that turned things around. Dale Murphy Braves Jersey . Jay Bruces introduction to first base ended up being a big hit. Bruce played first base for the first time since high school and committed an error that let in an unearned run Monday night, but later homered to help the Cincinnati Reds rally for a 9-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs in the opener of a five-game series. "I ended up falling back on being a baseball player," Bruce said. "In the end, I drove in more than I let in. It was definitely fun. I felt bad about missing that ball. That was a tough play, but its a play I expect to make and should make." Billy Hamilton drove in a career-high four runs with a single and a bases-loaded triple. The Reds have won 11 of their last 16 games despite getting little production from injured first baseman Joey Votto, who had another test on his troublesome left thigh on Monday. The Reds were awaiting results before deciding whether to put him back on the disabled list. Mike Leake (7-7) gave up a two-run homer to Anthony Rizzo and an unearned run off Bruces error during seven innings. Leake is 8-2 in his career against Chicago, including 4-0 in his last four starts with a 1.71 ERA. After Bruces error let in a run that tied it 1-all in the fifth, he singled and scored on Devin Mesoracos double off Edwin Jackson (5-9). Bruce hit a two-run homer off left-hander James Russell in the seventh. Hamilton tripled home the three runs in the eighth. Chris Coghlan had four hits for the Cubs, who stranded six runners in scoring position. They had a runner thrown out at the plate in the sixth when Skip Schumaker -- filling Bruces spot in right field -- nailed Welington Castillo as he tagged from third on a fly ball. Votto, the NLs MVP in 2010, has missed the last two games with a strained muscle above his left knee, an injury that sidelined him for 23 games starting in May. Hes batting only .250 with no homers since his return. Bruce volunteered to move to first base to help the short-handed Reds, who have no experienced backup at the position. He was on the field four hours before the game taking grounders and getting tips on how to cover the base in various situations. "It was an experience, but one I hope I dont have to prolong," said Bruce, who expects to play first base occasionally. Bruce made a couple of nice plays on ground balls and plucked a low pickoff throw out of the dirt. His first error in the infield helped the Cubs tie it 1-all in the fifth. "I thought he did a good job," Leake said. "Its not easy for an outfielder to come in and play the infield like that." With two outs, Coghlan singled and went to third on Justin Ruggianos single. Bruce reacted slowly to Rizzos grounder toward the line, and it tipped off his glove for an error. "I thought he did a terrific job," manager Bryan Price said. "There was that one tough play that I didnt think was an error. I dont know if it was an error or not, but thats how they scored it. In the end, he just played the position and just did a terrific job." Bruces homer was his second in two days and his 49th off a lefty in the last five seasons, the most by any batter in the majors. NOTES: The game was delayed by rain for 21 minutes in the middle of the third inning. ... The teams play a day-night doubleheader on Tuesday, the first game making up for a rainout on April 28. The Cubs will go with LHP Travis Wood (7-6) and LHP Tsuyoshi Wada (0-0). Cincinnati will use Johnny Cueto (8-6) and LHP David Holmberg (0-0). ... Its the first time the Cubs and Reds have played a five-game series since 1999. ... Former Nasty Boys relievers Rob Dibble, Norm Charlton and Randy Myers threw ceremonial pitches. Dibble had some history with the Cubs, plunking Doug Dascenzo in the back of the legs after his squeeze bunt during a game at Wrigley Field in 1991. Deion Sanders Braves Jersey . After deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league would consider pulling out of Sochi if something "significant" happens before players arrive, those set to participate are trying not to worry about that scenario. Chipper Jones Braves Jersey . J.J. Hardy drove in a run for the Orioles, who bounced back from an 8-4 loss in the series opener on Friday. Fresh off the 15-day disabled list, Derrek Lee went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Jake Arrieta (7-3) gave up three runs on five hits over six innings to pick up the win. http://www.baseballbravesproshop.com/hank-aaron-braves-jersey/ .J. -- The New York Jets have promoted Tony Sparano Jr.ZURICH, Switzerland -- Canadian Christine Sinclair was named to the candidate list Friday for the FIFA womens world player of the year award. The national womens team captain was joined on the 10-player list by five-time award winner Marta of Brazil and Americans Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan. Wambach won the award last year, becoming the first American winner since Mia Hamm in 2002. Sinclair, from Burnaby, B.C., guided the Portland Thorns to a National Womens Soccer League title this past season. She also had two goals in seven games for the national side. Germany ggoalkeeper Nadine Angerer, who won the European award this year, is also on the early list along with teammate Lena Goessling. Darren ODay Jersey. Also nominated are Saki Kumagai and Yuki Ogimi of Japan and Nilla Fischer and Lotta Schelin of Sweden. A three-player shortlist will be announced next month. The winner will be announced on Jan. 13 at the FIFA Ballon dOr event in Zurich. Candidates were chosen by a panel from the FIFA womens football committee and France Football magazine. Voting is by national team coaches and captains, and selected journalists. ' ' '