Brewers able to beat Cubs with good pitching & timely hitting

CHICAGO -- Major league ERA leader Kyle Hendricks allowed two runs in six innings and remained stuck on 15 victories as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 3-1 Sunday.

Tyler Thornburg struck out Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo with two on in the ninth to earn his 11th save in 16 chances.

The NL Central champion Cubs have lost four of six and are trying to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs. They resumed playing their regulars after clinching the division Thursday.

Chris Carter homered and Martin Maldonado and pitcher Wily Peralta (7-10) added RBI singles for the Brewers, who took three of four games from the Cubs. Milwaukee slugger Ryan Braun got a scheduled day off after hitting two home runs Saturday.

Hendricks (15-8), making his first start since losing a no-hit bid in the ninth inning at St. Louis, struck out nine and gave up six hits. His ERA rose from 2.03 to 2.06 as he lost for the first time since July 26 at the White Sox.

The Brewers return home Tuesday to start their final home stand of the season. They take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. First pitch at Miller Park is 7:10 PM.