Jahmai Jones delivers 3-run double in 1st big league appearance since ’21 in Brewers’ win over Cubs #Jahmai #Jones #delivers #3run #double #1st #big #league #appearance #Brewers #win #Cubs

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Newly signed Jahmai Jones hit a pinch-hit, three-run double in his first big league appearance since 2021, helping the Milwaukee Brewers rally for an 8-6 win over the Chicago Cubs on Monday.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh inning, Jones hit a line drive on the first pitch from reliever Anthony Kay that one-hopped off the center field wall and scored Raimel Tapia, Christian Yelich and Owen Miller, tying the game at 6.

“The situation, bases loaded two outs, really honestly not trying to do too much,” Jones said. “Really just trying to keep it simple, try to keep it small with my approach and not get too big.

Milwaukee Brewers' William Contreras, center, returns to the dugout after hitting a three-run home run off Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Rich Hill during the third inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, July 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

William Contreras hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the third inning, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-3 to win their third straight series.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Corbin Burnes delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Saturday, July 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Corbin Burnes carried a perfect game into the sixth inning, Christian Yelich hit his 10th home run and the Milwaukee Brewers survived a late rally to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-8.

FILE - Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Matt Bush throws against the Seattle Mariners during a baseball game Monday, April 17, 2023, in Seattle. Brewers reliever Matt Bush has been activated after missing two months with an injury to his right rotator cuff. The Brewers activated the right-hander Friday, June 23, before opening a three-game series at Cleveland. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

The Milwaukee Brewers designated veteran reliever Matt Bush for assignment following a blown save opportunity against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pittsburgh Pirates' Carlos Santana, left, is doused with ice water after hitting a two-run walkoff home run off Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Matt Bush during the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Friday, June 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Carlos Santana hit his eighth career walk-off home run, a two-run shot to cap a three-run ninth inning and rally the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Milwaukee Brewers 8-7 for their fourth straight win.

“It’s something that you dream about, you dream about moments like this and being put in situations like this. And being able to help the team to do what they need to do to get a win, it’s the cherry on top.”

Milwaukee signed the 25-year-old Jones as a free agent before the game to replace Brian Anderson, who went on the paternity list. Jones’ last appearance was with the Baltimore Orioles on Oct. 2, 2021. He also played for the Los Angeles Angels in 2020.

The Brewers completed their comeback from a six-run deficit in the eighth inning with an RBI single by Willy Adames and a sacrifice fly by Miller — both off Mark Leiter Jr. (1-2) — to take an 8-6 lead.

Brewers All-Star reliever Devin Williams allowed a double by Nico Hoerner and a walk to Ian Happ in the ninth, and then struck out All-Star Dansby Swanson to earn his 18th save.

Joel Payamps (3-1) pitched a perfect eighth inning for Milwaukee.

The Brewers won their third straight game and moved a half-game ahead of Cincinnati in the NL Central. The Reds were scheduled to face Washington later Monday.

The Cubs have lost three straight and seven of their last eight.

The Cubs took a 6-0 lead after three innings and held a 6-3 lead until the seventh when their bullpen, one of the best in the majors recently, let them down in the seventh.

Julian Merryweather loaded the bases on a single and two walks before being replaced by Kay.

Chicago’s bullpen entered Monday with a 1.06 ERA in the previous 17 games, since June 13, best in the majors.

Cubs starter Drew Smyly lasted only 3 ⅔ innings, giving up three runs.

Brewers starter Julio Teheran went six innings and allowed six runs, three in the second and three in third.

Swanson, who snapped an 0-for-9 streak, and Christopher Morel each had two hits and scored two runs for the Cubs. Nick Madrigal and Tucker Barnhart each had two RBI.

STATS NOT WHOLE STORY

The Brewers lead their division despite posting the lowest percentages in the NL in OPS, slugging, OBP and average entering Monday. They scored 24 runs in their three previous games, all in Pittsburgh.

“We’ve been able to get guys on base and have a lot of traffic, that’s how you score,” said Yelich, who went 3 for 4, walked, scored three runs and had one RBI. “Guys have been getting big hits.”

SHOOTING VICTIM THROWS FIRST PITCH

Cooper Robertson, a 9-year-old boy left paralyzed from the mass shooting at a parade in Highland Park, Illinois, on July 4, 2022, threw out a ceremonial pitch from his wheelchair to Yelich.