Jonathan Villar homered to start a five-run first inning against Jason Hammel, and the Milwaukee Brewers cooled off the Chicago Cubs with a 12-5 victory on Tuesday night.

 

The NL Central-leading Cubs had won seven of eight and were 41 games over .500 after winning Monday's series opener.

 

But Milwaukee rallied from a 1-0 deficit as its first seven batters reached against Hammel (14-8). Villar homered on Hammel's second pitch, Ryan Braun had an RBI single, Domingo Santana singled in two runs and Martin Maldonado added a sacrifice fly.

 

Wily Peralta (6-9) gave up four runs and six hits in 7 2/3 innings, leaving after Anthony Rizzo's second home run of the game, a two-run drive. Peralta became the first Brewers starter to pitch into the eighth since Junior Guerra on July 29. He has a 3.35 ERA in six starts since his Aug. 8 recall from Triple-A.

 

Mike Montgomery (1-1, 4.09 ERA) will start the series finale against the Brewers. He has a 4.01 ERA in five starts and a 2.29 ERA in 37 relief appearances for Seattle and Chicago this season.

 

>>Cubs Activate Rondon, Recall Four From AAA

 

Right-hander Hector Rondon was activated from the disabled list and outfielder Albert Almora Jr. and infielder Munenori Kawasaki rejoined the Chicago Cubs from Triple-A Iowa.

 

The moves were announced before Tuesday night's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

Also recalled from Iowa were catcher Tim Federowicz and right-hander Spencer Patton.

 

Rondon, who was out with triceps soreness, said he is ready for immediate relief duty.

 

"I think we have enough guys right now - offense, defense, special teams. We're ready to go," manager Joe Maddon said.