Stephenson wins debut, Bruce powers Reds to sweep of Phils

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CINCINNATI (AP) — Jay Bruce homered twice and matched a career high with five RBIs, and the Cincinnati Reds made a winner of top pitching prospect Robert Stephenson in his major league debut by beating the Philadelphia Phillies 10-6 on Thursday to complete a season-opening sweep.

Eugenio Suarez hit his first career grand slam and Bruce connected for a three-run shot as the Reds scored eight times in the fourth inning, ruining the big league debut of reliever Daniel Stumpf. Bruce capped the 13-batter outburst with an RBI single.

Stephenson, a first-round draft pick in 2011, was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on March 18 and recalled on opening day for what is expected to be one start. The right-hander allowed six hits and four runs — three earned — with two walks and one strikeout in five innings.

Cedric Hunter hit a leadoff homer in the fourth and Ryan Howard had a two-run shot in the fifth for Philadelphia.

Cincinnati Reds’ Tucker Barnhart scores on a double by Reds’ Scott Schebler, as Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz attempts the tag during the third inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/04/web1_109659809-231f205f5b4244c4a28b294049895a0b.jpgCincinnati Reds’ Tucker Barnhart scores on a double by Reds’ Scott Schebler, as Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz attempts the tag during the third inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Eugenio Suarez (7) is greeted at the plate by teammates, from left, Tucker Barnhart, Scott Schebler, Ivan De Jesus, and Joey Votto following a grand slam home run off Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Daniel Stumpf during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Cincinnati. At right is Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/04/web1_109659809-a4373432289d4c7684586ce207cdac27.jpgCincinnati Reds shortstop Eugenio Suarez (7) is greeted at the plate by teammates, from left, Tucker Barnhart, Scott Schebler, Ivan De Jesus, and Joey Votto following a grand slam home run off Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Daniel Stumpf during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Cincinnati. At right is Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Robert Stephenson throws in his Major League debut against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/04/web1_109659809-4deb479a5ef942ce8256b1d8b513f623.jpgCincinnati Reds starting pitcher Robert Stephenson throws in his Major League debut against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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