Peralta grinds through seven innings in 1-0 loss to Miami Marlins

Box Score

There won’t be many games in which Freddy Peralta allows one run over seven innings that result in a loss. That was the unfortunate reality for the Brewers on Wednesday night in a 1-0 loss to the Miami Marlins.

Peralta’s final line of one run allowed over seven innings was impressive enough, but he managed a lack of fastball command to limit the Marlins to just four hits and walk. He caught the Marlins for 13 whiffs on 49 swings (27%) en route to seven strikeouts.

The very first plate appearance of the game told a meaningful story. Peralta couldn’t place his fastball with precision, resulting in a leadoff home run to Jazz Chisholm Jr. After throwing three straight fastballs for balls, Peralta went with the heater again in back-to-back pitches. With a pitch shading towards the outside edge, Chisholm Jr. knocked a home run for the game’s only score.

While Peralta was unable to find a consistent rhythm with his fastball, he made the necessary adjustments to succeed through the rest of the outing. His changeup and slider, especially, were vital components to his durable outing. He limited hard contact, forced groundballs, and had a healthy number of whiffs. It was just the third start this season in which he used his fastball less than 50% of the time.

The offense left Peralta in the dust despite his determined effort. The Marlins Jesus Luzardo proved equally capable of shutting down an offense. Luzardo went eight shutout innings, allowing just three hits, no walks, and four strikeouts. Although four strikeouts won’t set any records, Luzardo induced 18 whiffs, setting the stage for his offspeed pitches.

The Brewers were unable to consistently square up the ball, leading to routine plays for the Marlins defense nearly the entirety of the night. The Brewers only created a few threatening situations.

The first came in the second inning when Willy Adames and Gary Sanchez hit a pair of singles to get a runner in scoring position. With two outs, Willy Adames nearly made a spectacular baserunning play when he caught third baseman Jake Burger lingering a long way from the base. Adames risked the opportunity for a stolen base but was just barely caught out on the basepaths. Although it was an out, it was a daring idea that nearly paid off.

The Brewers failed to get another baserunner until the eighth inning. Gary Sanchez collected his second hit of the game to left field to put the tying run on base. A force out left Jackson Chourio on first, who ultimately stole second base. The Brewers only had one out to work with as Owen Miller flew out to right field.

Milwaukee combined for just four hits, a disappointing finish to a potential series winner. If there was a silver lining, it was Peralta’s ability to adapt even without his fastball as a trusty weapon. He shut down the Marlins offense with his dominant slider and changeup. It was an unconvincing offensive performance without much offensive support for the team’s ace.

The Brewers will have an off day before traveling to play the Boston Red Sox. First pitch will be Friday at 3:10 p.m. Bryse Wilson is set to start against Kutter Crawford.