CHICAGO -- Left-hander Jon Lester found his form on Friday with seven shutout innings as the Chicago Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 1-0 in the opener of a three-game series at Wrigley Field.

Lester (1-2) allowed three hits, walked one and struck out four to collect his first Cubs win.

The free agent signee struggled to begin the season but was increasingly effective in recent outings, including 10 strikeouts and a quality start his last time out.

Cubs right-hander Hector Rondon struck out two in a scoreless ninth for his fifth save.

The Cubs' lone run came from rookie second baseman Addison Russell, who clubbed his first major league home run in the third inning.

Brewers right-hander Wily Peralta (0-4) had his most effective outing and fewest runs allowed to date but still suffered a loss in his fourth consecutive start.

Milwaukee threatened early and loaded the bases with two outs in the second but came up empty as Peralta struck out to end the inning.

Russell gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead with none out in the third with his first big league homer. He launched Peralta's 3-2 pitch into the empty left field bleachers as the ball landed five rows into still-under-construction seating.

The Cubs went on to load the bases with one out, but shortstop Starlin Castro grounded into an inning-ending double play.

Peralta threw 118 pitches in a six-inning outing. He allowed one run, eight hits and two walks and struck out six.

Castro and right fielder Jorge Soler led the Cubs with two hits apiece.

Center fielder Gerardo Parra and first baseman Jason Rogers each had two hits for the Brewers.

NOTES: Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred got his first look at the progress of Wrigley Field renovations during a Friday visit. "It's interesting to see how far it's come," he said. "It looks like it's going to be absolutely fantastic." ... Brewers 2B Scotter Gennett, on the 15-day disabled list with a lacerated left hand, was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Friday at Class A Wisconsin. ... The Brewers are 0-7 in series play this season and have spent 19 days in last place. ... Brewers 3B Aramis Ramirez was a late scratch on Friday with left hamstring tightness. ... Milwaukee sends RHP Mike Fiers (0-3, 5.79 ERA) against Chicago RHP Jake Arrieta (3-1, 2.03 ERA) in Saturday's middle game. ... The Cubs went 12-8 for their first winning April since going 17-10 in March/April 2008. It's the most April wins since a 12-14 record in 2011. ... Chicago RHP Jason Hammel, set to start in Sunday's series finale, has struck out 23 batters in 25 1/3 innings and has issued just one walk. ... The Cubs entered Friday atop the National League and second in the big leagues with 25 steals. Houston leads with 29.