Freddy Peralta struggled mightily in his first start of the season. In a way, it was predictable. St. Louis is a tough way for a young pitcher to start his first game of the season. Cincinnati provided a bounceback opportunity for the Brewers 22-year-old budding phenom. He dominated the Reds’ bats with a dazzling eight inning outing with eleven strikeouts and only giving up one hit. Peralta showed why he gained a starting pitching spot in Spring Training, and the promise that he brings to this Brewers rotation.

Player of the Game: Freddy Peralta – When Peralta got through the first inning without any sort of drama, I had a good feeling about this afternoon. As he continued to mow through the order, I felt even better. There have been glimpses from Freddy throughout the last year and a half. The first start against Colorado. When he dominated Kansas City at Miller Park, a few strong efforts in the playoffs and this afternoon. The future is so fucking bright for him. If he gets a breaking ball, look out.

Honorable Mention: Ben Gamel – There were not man moments for the Milwaukee Brewers pitchers and hitters besides a few individuals. Ben Gamel was one of them. He made a great play on the run to preserve a hitless sixth inning. If that ball gets past Gamel, it is easily a double, potentially a triple then you’re asking Peralta to deal with a high-leverage situation in the sixth inning.

Thing I liked: Alex Wilson, the closer to Josh Hader’s closer – Like what I saw from Alex Wilson in the ninth inning. Sure, it got a little hairy, but partly that was due to the strike zone by the home plate umpire. Josh Hader received an obvious day off with two games pitched on Monday and Tuesday. Wilson showed he can be the 9th inning guy when Hader needs a rest and in Jeremy Jeffress’ absence.

Thing I didn’t like: You need more runs – Look I know, Luis Castillo is a good pitcher, and he has ace-like stuff. But at the same time, Milwaukee needed to put something else together besides their one lonely run in the second inning. Peralta was amazing, and that is the only reason why Milwaukee won the game. On most days, Brewers would have dropped this one.

Highlight of the day – Ben Gamel’s great catch.

The Reds almost had another hit. *almost*

Ben Gamel to the rescue!

📺 https://t.co/0eZjMHTk9e pic.twitter.com/9PXW16iSQa

— FOX Sports Wisconsin (@fswisconsin) April 3, 2019

Next up: Brewers get ready to tangle with their arch rival Chicago Cubs. Right now, Chicago is a mess especially in their bullpen. On Wednesday night, Chicago blew a two-run lead late leading to their fourth straight loss. Yu Darvish will be the streak stopper on Thursday. On Friday, Milwaukee deals with Jose Quintana who has been damn tough versus Milwaukee throughout his career. Brewers will send Brandon Woodruff on the hill.

Charlie.