Reds secure first playoff spot in 15 years
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Bruce connected off the first pitch from lefty reliever Tim Byrdak leading off the bottom of the ninth inning, sparking a wild celebration at home plate while fireworks lit the night sky over Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park.
"My boys are so happy," Reds manager Dusty Baker told a TV reporter. "The whole city is happy. To win it at home, it's just great."
Bruce was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a double play against Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez before stepping to the plate in the ninth against Byrdak.
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"It was only fitting that Jay Bruce hit that home run to win this game," said a giddy Baker. "I love this team. I love Cincinnati."
Flame-throwing Aroldis Chapman, the 22-year-old rookie from Cuba, was the winning pitcher after a scoreless ninth inning. Chapman (2-2) struck out his first two batters, topping 100-mph on the radar gun, and induced a groundout to short.
The Reds secured the division crown by virtue of an 88-69 record that put them out of reach of the second place St Louis Cardinals (81-75).
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Cincinnati joined NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies to form half of the National League's post-season field.
(Reporting by Larry Fine, Editing by Frank Pingue)