Cubs take series opener from division-leading Brewers 3-1

Ian Happ lined a solo homer, six Chicago pitchers cobbled together a five-hitter and the Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 on Monday night.

Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson each had two hits as the Cubs twice escaped based-loaded jams to end NL Central-leading Milwaukee’s three-game winning streak.

Willy Adames’ team-leading 16th home run got the Brewers on the board in the eighth.

Five relievers followed Cubs starter Javier Assad with 5 2/3 innings one-run ball. The first, Drew Smyly (3-5), got five outs the for the win and Hector Neris tossed the ninth for his 14th save.

On the injury front, manager Craig Counsell said OF Cody Bellinger (left middle finger fracture) was making progress hitting and would return to fielding drills on Tuesday.




(AP Photo Charles Rex Arbogast)