Brewers, Cubs Split Series in Tight NL Central Race

The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs remain locked in a tight NL Central race, with Milwaukee maintaining a one-game lead after a recent series split. Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski overcame a difficult first inning to help secure an 8-4 win over the Cubs, earning praise for his resilience from Christian Yelich and manager Pat Murphy. Yelich also hit his 20th home run and drove in three runs in the victory. In the following game, the Cubs avoided a sweep with a 10-3 win, highlighted by Michael Busch's leadoff homer and Moisés Ballesteros's bases-clearing double. Cubs starter Shota Imanaga struck out eight in five innings, while Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta saw his winning streak end. The teams are scheduled for a crucial five-game series in Chicago later this season that could determine the division champion.