MILWAUKEE, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Ryan Braun launched a huge three-run homer in the eighth inning Friday that brought Milwaukee its first division title in 29 years with a 4-1 win over Florida.
Braun's blast, which bounced off the center field scoreboard, snapped a 1-1 tie. Milwaukee's victory, combined with a 5-1 loss by St. Louis to the Chicago Cubs, handed the Brewers their first National League Central crown.
They had not won a division title since moving to the National League in 1998. Milwaukee reached the World Series for the only time in franchise history after winning a division championship in the American League in 1982.
Braun broke up a tense duel with his homer off Clay Hensley after Corey Hart had reached on a one-out double and Nyjer Morgan had walked.
With Milwaukee closing in on the victory, the news was flashed on the scoreboard in the ninth inning that the Cubs had taken a late three-run lead over St. Louis.
A few minutes later John Axford struck out Bryan Petersen to make the Milwaukee win official. It was his 44th save, equaling a team record set four years ago by Francisco Cordero.
The win went to Francisco Rodriguez (6-2), who struck out the only two men he faced in relief of starter Yovani Gallardo.
Hensley (6-7) took the loss after giving up Braun's 32nd homer of the season.
