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Joyce treats himself to three-run birthday bash

ATLANTA -- Despite boasting a .462 career batting average in six career birthday games, Matt Joyce had never celebrated with a homer.

But in Wednesday's 8-4 loss to the Braves at Turner Field, the Pirates outfielder made his 32nd birthday a special one, hitting a three-run home run in the first inning as his father watched from the stands.

"Man, what a great feeling that is," said Joyce about the homer. "I don't know how many opportunities you're going to have to do that in your lifetime. That one was really special for me, and I'm sure just as special for him.