CINCINNATI -- The adrenaline rush from Tuesday night's memorable Major League debut has begun to fade for Jay Bruce, affording the 21-year-old rookie time to adjust to life in the big leagues.
Bruce's sizeable contingent of family and friends has returned home, and he's beginning to settle into a routine.
"I was really glad everyone was here to see the first game," Bruce said. "It's helped some that they're gone. It's beginning to feel like a normal season. I'm just coming in everyday and tending to business."
Reds fans, of course, still are bellowing Bruce's name, and his on-field heroics continue almost daily.
In Friday night's 11-inning victory over the Braves, Bruce went 4-for-5 with a double and two runs scored, including the game-winner. He also made a lunging catch in center field on Mark Teixeira's sacrifice fly in the sixth.
"I'm just happy to contribute," Bruce said. "Everybody's doing their part right now. Everything the past few days has been great. I'm just trying to stay with a consistent approach."
Bruce is batting .571 with three doubles, three RBIs and two stolen bases. He's struck out just once in 14 at-bats.
His double in the sixth inning on Friday hit the base of the right-center-field wall, just missing his first career home run by a few feet.
"He's a smart, young hitter," said Reds manager Dusty Baker. "Hitting home runs isn't his stroke. He can't get out of his game. He has a plan when he goes up there. He swings like a hitter, not a slugger."
Most notably, Bruce has batted .625 (5-for-8) against left-handers, including a three-hit performance Friday against future Hall of Fame left-hander Tom Glavine.
"I tried not to pay attention to the name on the back of his jersey," Bruce said. "Tom Glavine's a sure-fire Hall of Famer. He's one of the most respected pitchers of all time. It felt great."
Bruce will make his fifth consecutive start in Saturday afternoon's game against Atlanta at Great American Ball Park. Day by day, the youngster is feeling more like just one of the guys in the Reds' clubhouse.
"When I got here, I wanted to settle into a routine," Bruce said. "There are still some things I need to figure out. But I'm glad the fans are here and enjoying the games. Winning is fun. It's something I think we're going to start doing more of."
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