The Chicago Cubs started the day with a magic number of one to clinch their first National League Central Division title since 2008. They were ready to celebrate with Champaign on ice, but the Milwaukee Brewers weren’t about to lay down.
The Brewers knocked off the Cubs 5-4 in the first game of their four-game series at Wrigley Field and put the Cubs party on hold.
It was the first win at Wrigley Field for the Brewers over the Cubs this season. Jimmy Nelson allowed three-runs in six innings, his best performance in several weeks. He improved to 8-14 on the season and picked up his first career victory against the Cubs. Closer Tyler Thornburg came on to get the final four outs to post his 10th save of the season.
The Cubs would eventually clinch the Central Division title when the St. Louis Cardinals fell to the San Francisco Giants 6-2 out west. Their celebration will come after today’s second game of the series between the Brewers and Cubs.
Chase Anderson (8-11) pitches this afternoon for the Brewers. John Lackey (9-8) goes for the Cubs.