BOSTON (Interstat) — The Milwaukee Brewers capitalized on a critical Boston error and a late defensive miscue to pull away from the Red Sox, securing an 8-6 victory on Monday night at Fenway Park in the opener of a three-game series.

The win improved the Brewers’ early-season record to 8-2, while the struggling Red Sox fell to 2-8.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the top of the fourth inning, with the Brewers trailing 3-0. What began as a promising Boston start unraveled due to a defensive lapse. Milwaukee’s Sal Frelick and David Hamilton led off with a single and a walk, respectively. After a sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position, Boston starter Brayan Bello walked Brice Turang to load the bases.

Brewers catcher William Contreras then hit a sharp grounder to third baseman Caleb Durbin, who misplayed the ball for a fielding error, allowing Frelick to score Milwaukee’s first run. Christian Yelich followed with an RBI single, and Garrett Mitchell added another run-scoring single off reliever Danny Coulombe. Jake Bauers then drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the fourth run of the inning, giving Milwaukee a lead it would not relinquish.

The Red Sox responded immediately in the bottom half, scoring twice to close to 5-4. Durbin doubled and later scored on an error by Milwaukee shortstop David Hamilton. After a single by Masataka Yoshida, Willson Contreras laced a ground-rule double to right field to bring home another run.

Milwaukee added a run in the fifth on a fielder’s choice by Turang, making it 6-4. The score held until the eighth, when the Brewers provided crucial insurance. With two outs and a runner on first, Garrett Mitchell lined a single to left field. Red Sox left fielder Roman Anthony’s throwing error allowed both Brice Turang and Christian Yelich to score, stretching the lead to 8-4.

Boston made a final push in the ninth against Milwaukee closer Angel Zerpa. With two outs, Willson Contreras launched a solo home run over the Green Monster, his third hit of the night. Wilyer Abreu followed with a single, bringing the tying run to the plate, but Trevor Story grounded out to second to end the game.

Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff earned the win, allowing five runs — three earned — on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out four. Aaron Ashby, who recorded four outs in relief, was credited with the victory, improving to 3-0. Zerpa notched his first save despite allowing the ninth-inning homer.

Red Sox starter Brayan Bello took the loss, falling to 0-1 after surrendering five runs (three earned) on five hits in 3 1/3 innings. Boston reliever Jovani Morán provided a bright spot with three strong innings, allowing one run on one hit while striking out four.

Offensively, Christian Yelich led Milwaukee with three hits and an RBI. Willson Contreras was the standout for Boston, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a home run, a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored.

The game, played in 3 hours and 13 minutes, was witnessed by a crowd of 35,107. The teams will continue their series on Tuesday night.