Ryan Braun – Photo: UPI/Bill Greenblatt
A comeback rally by the Milwaukee Brewers fell short in the 9th in a 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs in their series opener at Miller Park on Friday night.
Jimmy Nelson surrendered three home runs and Brandon Kintzler another to increase the team’s Major League-leading total to 46.
Dexter Bowler, Anthony Rizzo, Jorge Soler and Starlin Castro all went deep for the Cubs.
Down 7-3 in the 9th, Ryan Braun clubbed a 3-run homer to right to close the gap to a single run. The Brewers then, put runners on first and second before Gerardo Parra struck out to end the game.
Khris Davis came out of his slump, at least for a day. He had four hits and a home run.
Jimmy Nelson struck out a career high 11 in the loss.
The loss dropped the Brewers to 9-21, falling 13 1/2 games behind the first place Cardinals.