Maldonado's Single In 11th Lifts Brewers Over Cubs
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Martin Maldonado singled over the Cubs' drawn-in outfield with one out in the 11th inning, lifting the Milwaukee Brewers over Chicago, 3-2, on Sunday.
After a 7-18 start, the Brewers went 4-3 in Craig Counsell's first week as manager since taking over for the fired Ron Roenicke. Milwaukee beat the Cubs for the second straight day.
Ryan Braun doubled off Jason Motte (1-1) to begin the 11th. Two intentional walks loaded the bases, and Maldonado's deep drive sailed over right fielder Jorge Soler.
Maldonado also hit a solo homer in the seventh.
Michael Blazek (3-0) pitched a perfect top of the 11th, finishing with strikeouts of Anthony Rizzo and pinch-hitting pitcher Travis Wood.
Chicago had a chance in the 10th after David Ross led off with a single. But the inning ended with a 5-4-3 double play when Ross was called for interference on second baseman Scooter Gennett's relay throw.
Ross argued with second base umpire Bruce Dreckman and manager Joe Maddon took up the animated discussion.
An inning later, the Brewers, outfitted with pink gear and bats, were celebrating a Mother's Day win in extra innings.
A backup catcher thrust into the starting role last month following a foot injury to All Star starter Jonathan Lucroy, Maldonado finished with three hits.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Brewers: CF Carlos Gomez struck out looking on three pitches to lead off the bottom of the first. It was his first at-bat since missing a couple days with a sore hip. He finished 1-for-5. ... 3B Aramis Ramirez will visit the team doctor after missing a third straight game with lower back tightness.
UP NEXT
Cubs: Ace Jon Lester (2-2) takes the mound against the New York Mets when Chicago returns to Wrigley Field for a seven-game homestand. Lester is 2-0 with an 0.64 ERA in his two starts in May.
Brewers: Wily Peralta (1-4) opens a three-game interleague series at home against the Chicago White Sox. The right-hander has made three quality starts, though opponents are hitting .307 off him so far this season.
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