Braun hits 300th homer, Brewers beat Cubs 2-0

CHICAGO (AP) -- Ryan Braun hit his 300th homer, Jimmy Nelson combined with three relievers on a five-hitter, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 in the first regular-season Friday night game at Wrigley Field.

Braun hit a two-run drive in the first inning against John Lackey. Nelson pitched four-hit ball over five innings before leaving with a sore right arm, and the Brewers opened the weekend series on a winning note after dropping four of five.

Milwaukee pulled within four games of Chicago for the NL Central lead.

Nelson (12-6) struck out seven and walked two while winning his third straight start. He singled off the left-field wall in the fifth and had to dive back to first after rounding the base.