Reds ended Milwaukee’s franchise-record 14-game win streak in extras, snapping a weekend of close games as Milwaukee’s lead in the NL Central remains fragile.

The Cubs seized a rare chance to gain ground, beating the Pirates 4-3 at Wrigley and pulling within eight games of the Brewers ahead of a pivotal five-game set in Chicago that begins with a doubleheader.

Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ spoke to Cubs’ DNA—defense, baserunning, and late-inning grit—even as the offense has slogged through August. Chicago used small-ball, an unearned run, and timely plays to claim the series win, with Swanson driving in the deciding run on a bases-loaded sac fly. Owen Caissie debuted as a pinch-hitter in the series’ final game, signaling deeper depth for the Cubs as they chase a breakthrough month.