CHICAGO — William Contreras hit an RBI single during Milwaukee’s three-run rally in the eighth inning and the Brewers defeated their former manager Craig Counsell for the first time, beating the Chicago Cubs 3-1 on Friday.
Chicago’s Hayden Wesneski pitched a shutout ball into the seventh and Christopher Morel homered for the third time in five games. But the Brewers came back at the end to open the series between the two best teams in the NL Central with a victory.
Venezuelan Jackson Chourio began Milwaukee’s comeback with a pinch-hit single with one out in the eighth against Adbert Alzolay (1-4). The rookie was swept to second and scored with Contreras’ hit.
Contreras then stole second and came around with a two-out single by Willy Adames. The Brewers got another run when Adames stole second and scored on Jake Bauers’ single to center against Alzolay.
Joe Ross went six innings with six hits after losing his previous three outings. Elvis Peguero (4-0) and Joel Payamps each pitched one inning before Trevor Megill pitched in the ninth for his second save.
For the Brewers, Venezuelans William Contreras went 1 for 4 with one run scored and one RBI, Jackson Chourio went 1 for 2 with one run scored. Dominican Willy Adames was 1-for-4 with one run scored and one RBI.
For the Cubs, Dominican Christopher Morel went 1 for 4 with one run scored and one RBI. Panamanian Miguel Amaya 3-1
