Davis blows 1st save in 10-inning loss

MILWAUKEE — Finally, the Brewers could celebrate in extra innings against the Cubs.

Travis Shaw hit a two-run homer with one out in the 10th inning off All-Star closer Wade Davis, and the Brewers stunned their NL Central rivals with a 4-3 victory Saturday. The Brewers had lost the first two games of the pivotal series in 10 innings.

“It just feels good to come out on the right side of things after a couple of tough days,” Shaw said.

The Brewers, seeking their first playoff bid since 2011, moved within 41⁄2 games of the Cubs.

“I mean, this is as must-win as you get,” Shaw said.

With eight days left, the Cubs look in good shape to win a second straight division title. But they suddenly look vulnerable in the late innings after Davis blew his first save opportunity of the year after 32 successful chances.

Brewers shortstop Orlando Arcia homered off Davis (4-2) to lead off the ninth, tying it 2-2.

“There’s nothing to lament,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “Another intensely good baseball game, and they got us at the end. But there’s no way, shape or form to point a finger at Wade.”

The Cubs took a 3-2 lead in the top of the 10th on Jon Jay’s RBI single off Jeremy Jeffress (4-0).

In the bottom of the inning, Ryan Braun doubled to right with one out before Shaw homered.

Maddon used Davis for more than an inning for a second consecutive appearance. The reliever won the series opener Thursday when he threw 29 pitches over 12⁄3 scoreless innings. Davis threw 23 pitches in 11⁄3 innings Saturday.

“He’s your best guy,” Maddon said. “There’s no second-guessing whatsoever.”

Davis said his “arm was dragging a little bit. I just made a lot of bad pitches.”