Game Thread #66: Milwaukee Brewers (35-30) vs. San Diego Padres (36-27)

Brewers look for series win against San Diego

Today’s game against the San Diego Padres is the last of a three-game series. The Padres won the first game 2-0, while the Brewers took the second 4-3 behind an absolutely electric Caleb Durbin walk-off home run. Milwaukee hasn’t lost a series since a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins back in mid-May. Hopefully, the momentum from last night’s game will carry over into today.

On the hill for the Brewers will be Freddy Peralta, pitching on four days rest. Peralta last pitched on June 3, while Aaron Civale pitched on June 2. Civale is now scheduled to start tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves. Not much has been said about the change, but the Brewers clearly feel comfortable pitching their number one starter on short rest against the Padres, who are just one game back in the NL West.

Civale pitched well (two runs allowed over 5 ¹⁄₃ IP) in his last outing, but Peralta, despite his flaws, is the best starting pitcher on the Brewers. Peralta has also pitched on four days’ rest a couple of times in recent weeks, starting games for Milwaukee on May 18, 23, and 28. The veteran right-hander allowed six earned runs over those three starts, so it’s not as if he’s not capable in these situations. I’m assuming it’s simply a matchup play from manager Pat Murphy, barring injury or an impending trade.

In his last outing, Peralta posted a statline of 6+ IP, 7 H, 3 ER, and 9 K. In true form, he pitched well for much of the game despite a couple of meltdowns (including one inning where he seemed to lose the ability to find the strike zone). Peralta has thrown over 100 pitches in three straight games, so hopefully he can stay efficient today.

On the hill for the Padres will be Ryan Bergert, San Diego’s No. 21 prospect per MLB Pipeline. Bergert was recalled from Triple-A on June 3, recording his first start as a big-leaguer in that night’s game against the Giants. The 25-year-old rookie went five innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs. On the season, Bergert has a 2.00 ERA through five appearances (one start).

No crazy lineup changes today for the Brewers. Sal Frelick continues to hit fifth, with Rhys Hoskins in the six spot. Jake Bauers, hitting seventh, will start in left over Isaac Collins. Last night’s hero, Caleb Durbin, hits eighth again. Durbin is now hitting .296 with four RBIs over his last seven games.

Today’s nationally televised broadcast will be free to watch on Roku. As always. you can also catch the game on the Brewers Radio Network. First pitch is at 12:05 p.m.