Peralta sets tone in doubleheader with CG

Entering Saturday’s action, the Brewers were in the top 10 in MLB in ERA this season. Right-hander Freddy Peralta is one of the reasons why they are so productive, as he helped Milwaukee defeat Washington 4-1 in the first game of a day-night doubleheader at Nationals Park.

It was a seven-inning affair and, despite the rain and wind, Peralta pitched the first complete game of his professional career. Even then, he wasn't sure whether he could count Saturday's effort because of the shorter game.

“I didn’t know if it counts as a complete game,” Peralta said. “I feel really happy [about my start]. It’s something I have been waiting for, but I want to go to the regular games -- nine innings. That’s my goal. One day, I don’t know when. I’m working for that.”

Peralta had his mind made up to give the bullpen a rest, as the relief corps had been overworked the past week or so. Peralta allowed one run on four hits while striking out seven to notch his 10th consecutive start with at least seven strikeouts. Peralta’s best inning was the second, when he struck out the side.

Peralta also showed how tough he could be when he gets into trouble, something that occurred in the third inning. With runners on first and second and one out, he coaxed Juan Soto to hit into a double play to end the threat.

"[Soto] is a great hitter and everybody knows it,” Peralta said. “I was looking for that ground ball. I knew he was swinging. I said, ‘Wow, I have to make my pitch and see what happens.’ I made my pitch, a great call from [catcher] Manny [Piña], and we got a ground ball.”

The Nationals had a tough time catching up to Peralta’s fastball, which was clocked as high as 96 mph. Peralta’s slider, curveball and changeup were impressive as well -- his only blemish came in the fourth inning when Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run.

“[Piña] did a great job behind the plate, [calling] great pitches,” Peralta said. “The defense made good plays for me today, too.”

The best defensive play came in the first inning, when Christian Yelich made a great diving catch off the bat of Josh Bell to end the inning.

“For a moment, I thought it was a base hit, but it was a great catch. Great play,” Peralta said.

Peralta’s counterpart, Patrick Corbin, wasn’t as effective on the mound. The Brewers were able to get to him in the first inning, when Avisaíl García hit a two-run homer over the left-field wall.

Milwaukee added two more runs two innings later off Corbin. Kolten Wong scored on a triple by Yelich, who later came on home on a García groundout.

“Our offense is looking much better. As you can see, they were pretty good [in the batter’s box],” Peralta said. “They gave me the lead early. It’s easier to pitch like that when you have the lead.”

Milwaukee has won two straight and improved its record to 26-25.