Brewers Edge Cubs 8-7 to Narrow NL Central Gap

The Milwaukee Brewers secured an 8-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs, with key contributions from Isaac Collins, who hit a three-run homer, rookie Caleb Durbin's two-run drive, and Rhys Hoskins' solo shot, helping Milwaukee close within 5 1/2 games of first-place Chicago in the NL Central. Despite a strong effort by Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong, who became the first player this season with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, and home runs from Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ, Chicago fell short after nearly overcoming a five-run deficit. Brewers' Freddy Peralta earned the win allowing three runs over five innings, while Cubs' Jameson Taillon was tagged for five runs in four innings, ending his five-game winning streak. Trevor Megill secured his 16th save by closing out the game despite a ninth-inning rally from the Cubs. Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs face decisions about their pitching rotation as ace Shota Imanaga returns from a hamstring injury, with speculation that right-hander Ben Brown may be sent back to Triple-A to improve consistency, despite recent solid starts but an overall 5.57 ERA. Brown's performance remains volatile, highlighted by his recent win against the Brewers but ongoing struggles with home runs allowed.