Ryan Braun homered and scored three runs as the Milwaukee Brewers held off a late comeback attempt to post a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.

Braun played a major role in Milwaukee building a 4-0 lead. After drawing a two-out walk in the first inning, Braun stole second base and scored on Casey McGehee's single to put the Brewers ahead.

With two outs in the third, Braun belted his 12th home run of the season to double the advantage. Prince Fielder followed with his 20th blast for a 3-0 bulge.

Braun ripped a one-out double in the fifth and scored three batters later on Craig Counsell's sacrifice fly.

Pittsburgh nearly pulled off the comeback as Garrett Jones led off the sixth with his 11th homer of the year and Andrew McCutchen lifted a sacrifice fly in the seventh to pull the Pirates within 4-2.

Ryan Doumit began the ninth with his eighth blast, making it a one-run game, but John Axford retired the next three batters to seal the win and notch his 10th save in as many opportunities.

Dave Bush (4-6) picked up the win, allowing two runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings. Bush, who improved to 3-1 in his last five starts, walked two and struck out five.

Jeff Karstens (2-4) lasted five innings for the Pirates, surrendering four runs and five hits. The right-hander walked six and struck out five in falling to 0-2 in his last four outings.