Marco Estrada and four relievers combined on a three-hit shutout as the host Milwaukee Brewers won for the 15th time in 17 games, posting a 1-0 victory over the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon.

Yuniesky Betancourt supplied the only run with a solo homer to left field off Kevin Correia (12-11) in the second inning as the Brewers extended their lead over St. Louis to five games in the National League Central.

The Pirates had the tying run on third in the top of the ninth when Xavier Paul led off with a triple against John Axford, but the next two hitters grounded out on the first pitch. Following a walk to Garrett Jones, Axford struck out Neil Walker to end it for his 34th save.

Milwaukee had numerous opportunities to build on its advantage but failed to cash in, leaving 10 runners on base.

Estrada (3-7) worked five strong innings for the win, striking out five and allowing just a one-out single to Ronny Cedeno in the second inning. Milwaukee’s bullpen held the Pirates at bay for the rest of the day, yielding just two more hits the rest of the way.

Paul was the only Pittsburgh player to get past second base.

Correia scattered seven hits over 6 2/3 innings while striking out three and walking three. He exited with runners at the corners in the seventh inning, but Chris Resop struck out Casey McGehee to escape trouble after walking Prince Fielder to load the bases.