Chris Narveson had a two-run single in the fourth inning and tossed 5 1/3 scoreless frames as the Milwaukee Brewers won the opener of a doubleheader Monday with an 8-1 road victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ryan Braun belted a two-run homer, Jonathan Lucroy ripped a two-run double and Yuniesky Betancourt added an RBI double and scored twice as National League Central-leading Milwaukee breezed to its 23rd win in 26 outings.

Narveson (9-6) returned from the disabled list Monday after lacerating his left thumb while trying to repair his glove with scissors. He scattered five hits and struck out three before exiting with a blister on his left middle finger.

After George Kottaras' ground-run double put runners on second and third, the Pirates intentionally walked Craig Counsell to bring Narveson to the plate. The pitcher made them pay for the decision by depositing a single to shallow right to plate both Betancourt and Kottaras.

Ryan Ludwick homered in the eighth inning for Pittsburgh, which fell for the 20th time in 26 games.

Jeff Karstens (9-7) dropped to 0-5 in eight career starts against the Brewers after yielding two runs on six hits in seven innings.