Ryan Braun's three-run first inning homer Friday was enough to produce Milwaukee's 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

His 34th homer this season gave Milwaukee a 3-0 lead with one out in the top of the first against Pittsburgh starting and losing pitcher Tom Gorzelanny.

The left fielder had two of the five hits for the Brewers, who have eight of their last 11 games, but fallen six games back of the Chicago Cubs for first place in the NL Central Division.

Winning pitcher Dave Bush (9-9) surrendered an earned run and six hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Closer Salomon Torres followed two others to earn his 26th save.

Pittsburgh averted a shutout on Nate McLouth's fifth inning solo homer.

He and Freddy Sanchez had two hits apiece in the Pirates' eighth loss in a row.

Gorzelanny (6-9) was charged with three earned runs and four hits in seven innings.

His last win came June 24 against the New York Yankees.

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