Jackson Chourio singled in two runs to key an eighth-inning rally and help lift the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-3 comeback victory over the visiting Chicago Cubs on Monday in the opener of a showdown series between the top two teams in the National League Central.
Held to one run through seven innings by starter Matthew Boyd (8-4), the Brewers scored three in the eighth to go in front 4-2.
Garrett Mitchell walked to open the bottom of the frame and Joey Ortiz doubled to left, chasing Boyd. Ryan Zeferjahn relieved Boyd, and the first batter he faced, Chourio, punched a two-run single through the right side.
After Zeferjahn walked Brice Turang and William Contreras struck out, he was relieved by Jacob Webb, who walked pinch-hitter Jake Bauers to load the bases. Christian Yelich followed with a sacrifice fly to make it 4-2.
Pete Crow-Armstrong brought Chicago within 4-3 in the ninth with his 41st homer, a two-out solo shot off Trevor Megill. Megill recovered to convert his 19th consecutive save opportunity and earn his 27th save in 29 chances.
Milwaukee (89-56), seeking its fourth consecutive division title, moved eight games ahead of the second-place Cubs (81-64) in the division. The Brewers entered Monday 1 1/2 games in front of the Dodgers for the best record in the majors.
The Cubs went in front 2-1 with a two-out rally in the seventh off Aaron Ashby. Crow-Armstrong singled with two outs and took second with his 35th stolen base before Suzuki walked. Alex Bregman followed with a run-scoring single to center.
Pedro Ramirez broke a scoreless tie with his fifth homer, lining a 1-1 pitch from starter Robert Gasser 407 feet to left with two outs in the fifth.
Crow-Armstrong then was hit by a pitch, stole second, and Suzuki walked. Chad Patrick relieved and retired Bregman on an inning-ending foul pop to first.
The Brewers answered with the tying run in the bottom half of the fifth when Luis Lara singled to open, advanced on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Garrett Mitchell’s single to center.