When Freddy Peralta, the 29‑year‑old right‑hander from Moca, Dominican Republic, delivered a 5.2‑inning effort in NLCS Game 2 on October 14 2025, the Brewers’ postseason hopes suddenly felt both brighter and more fragile.
His line – three earned runs, two homers, four strikeouts – came at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and it marked the latest chapter in a season that has already seen him post a 17‑6 record, a 2.70 ERA and 204 strikeouts, all career bests. The performance mattered because Milwaukee, now down 0‑2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers, is scrambling for a starter who can shoulder the weight of a thin rotation.
How Peralta Became the Brewers’ Undisputed Ace
Pat Murphy, the Brewers’ manager, didn’t shy away from the pressure. In a September 17, 2025 interview with the Journal Sentinel, he recalled telling the young pitcher during spring training, “You’re the guy. You’re coming into the year the ace, and the ace has to post.” That challenge hung over Peralta all season, and he answered it with numbers that placed him among the National League’s elite.
Before the 2025 campaign, Milwaukee’s rotation resembled a trio of rotating doors: Corbin Burnes was traded in December 2024, and Brandon Woodruff spent most of the year rehabbing a shoulder injury. With those two out, the mantle slid onto Peralta’s shoulders. The club exercised his $8 million club option in October 2024, a move that signaled confidence even before the season began.
His transformation was evident early. By May 5 2025, he had already logged a six‑inning shutout against the Chicago Cubs, one of four standout outings against Chicago that year. Those performances set the tone for a stretch in which he logged 25 starts, a 1.08 WHIP and a strikeout‑to‑walk ratio that ranked in the top‑five across MLB.
Statistical Highlights: A Season for the Record Books
- Win–loss record: 17‑6 (4th in MLB)
- Earned run average: 2.70 (7th in MLB)
- Strikeouts: 204 (9th in MLB)
- WHIP: 1.08 (13th in MLB)
- All‑Star selection: July 14 2025
Those numbers aren’t just impressive on paper; they translate into real‑world pressure relief for a club that entered the postseason with essentially two reliable starters. The Brewers’ front office, led by President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, has repeatedly praised Peralta’s durability, noting that his ability to pitch deep into games shortens bullpen fatigue—a crucial factor in a seven‑game series.
NLCS Game 2: A Tough Night Against a Powerhouse Lineup
Facing the Dodgers’ stacked order, Peralta began with a bang, fanning Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith in the first 19 pitches. The early success, however, gave way to a surge of long balls. The Dodgers’ first‑inning two‑run homer off Peralta’s 97‑mph fastball set the tone, and a second homer in the third inning widened the gap.
Ultimately, Milwaukee fell 5‑1, but the loss highlighted two broader themes. First, the Dodgers’ scouting department allegedly identified pitch‑tipping cues in Peralta’s delivery, a factor Peralta acknowledged in a post‑game interview. Second, the Brewers’ bullpen, already taxed from earlier games, struggled to contain the Dodgers’ heavy hitting.
Speaking to reporters just after the game, Peralta said, “They (the Dodgers) made adjustments, and we have to do the same. It’s a fight, and I’m ready for the next round.” His words carried the weight of a man fully aware that his next start could determine Milwaukee’s fate.
What the Experts Are Saying
Baseball analyst Ken Rosenthal, writing for Fox Sports on October 14, noted, “Peralta’s season has been a masterclass in consistency. Even when the Dodgers got a piece of him, his mix of sinkers and changeups kept hitters off balance most of the night.”
Former pitcher and ESPN commentator Tim Kurkjian added, “If the Brewers can protect Peralta’s arm and keep the bullpen fresh, he could swing a Game 5 back home. The odds are slim, but not impossible.” Both experts underscored the importance of depth – something the Brewers lack after Burnes’ departure.
Looking Ahead: Game 5 Possibilities
Should the series extend to a fifth game, Milwaukee will likely face a decision: start Peralta again on short notice or turn to reliever Brandon Morrow, who has shown flashes of stamina in the postseason. The Dodgers, meanwhile, remain confident, bolstered by their own ace, Tyler Glasnow, who is set to pitch Game 5 if the series reaches Los Angeles.
The next scheduled Brewers‑Dodgers clash is on October 16 2025 at Dodger Stadium. That date could mark either the end of Milwaukee’s magical run or the beginning of an upset that would send Peralta’s name into the conversation for NLCS MVP.
Historical Context: Where Does This Season Rank?
Peralta debuted on May 13 2018, posting a modest 5.53 ERA in his rookie year. Over the next six seasons, he hovered around league average, never quite breaking into the top tier. The 2025 surge, however, eclipses his entire career in several categories: most wins, lowest ERA, and best WHIP. In Brewers history, only legends like Ben Sheets and Yovani González have posted comparable single‑season dominance, making Peralta’s 2025 campaign one of the franchise’s finest.
Comparing his 2.70 ERA to the 1995 Brewers staff, which posted a 4.08 team ERA, underscores how dramatically the rotation’s quality has shifted. The shift is especially stark when you consider that the 2025 rotation’s combined ERA sits at 3.15, the lowest for a Brewers staff since the 1990s.
Fan Reaction and Community Impact
Milwaukee’s fanbase has taken to social media with a mix of optimism and nervous energy. On Twitter, the hashtag #PeraltaPower trended for hours after Game 2, with fans posting clips of his strikeout of Ohtani. Local radio host Chris Kelley remarked on his morning show, “If we can get Freddy back on the mound and keep the Dodgers from blowing the series open, we’ve got a real chance to bring the city a championship.”
Beyond the stadium, Peralta’s success has sparked conversations about Dominican representation in MLB. Youth programs in Moca have reported a spike in enrollment, with kids naming Peralta as their role model. The pitcher often returns to his hometown during the off‑season, and his story is being used by local coaches to teach the value of perseverance.
Key Takeaways
- Freddy Peralta’s 2025 season is statistically his best, cementing his status as the Brewers’ ace.
- The NLCS is a turning point; a strong Game 5 could extend Milwaukee’s postseason run.
- Depth remains the Brewers’ Achilles’ heel after the loss of Burnes and Woodruff’s injury.
- Peralta’s performance is reshaping the franchise’s historical narrative and inspiring his hometown.
2025 National League Championship Series (NLCS)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Peralta’s performance affect the Brewers’ chances in the NLCS?
Peralta provides the Brewers with their only reliable starter capable of pitching deep into games. If he can repeat his regular‑season form, Milwaukee can limit bullpen overuse and keep the series close, especially in a potential Game 5.
What are the key differences between Peralta and the Brewers’ previous aces?
Unlike Corbin Burnes, who relied heavily on a high‑velocity fastball, Peralta mixes a sinking fastball, cutter, and changeup to induce ground balls. His lower walk rate and better WHIP make him more efficient over longer outings.
Will the Dodgers adjust their strategy against Peralta for a possible Game 5?
Dodgers’ scouts have already noted pitch‑tipping tendencies, so they’re likely to shift their approach—perhaps using more opposite‑handed hitters early or employing a defensive shift. Their own ace, Tyler Glasnow, will also force Milwaukee to think ahead.
What does Peralta’s success mean for young pitchers from the Dominican Republic?
His rise underscores that consistent development and adaptability can lead to elite status, even without raw velocity. Academies in Moca report higher enrollment, and MLB scouts are paying closer attention to pitchers who emulate Peralta’s mix of command and movement.
What are the Brewers’ options if Peralta is unavailable for Game 5?
Manager Pat Murphy could turn to reliever Brandon Morrow, who has logged over 70 innings this postseason, or try a bullpen day with a tandem of Jeremy Jeffress and Josh Hader. Both options risk overtaxing the bullpen but may be necessary given the thin rotation.