WASHINGTON (AP) — Freddy Peralta pitched his first complete game in the majors, going all seven innings Saturday and leading the Milwaukee Brewers over the Washington Nationals 4-1 in the first game of a doubleheader.
Peralta (5-1) allowed four hits, including Kyle Schwarber's home run, while striking out seven and walking one. The 24-year-old right-hander made his 33rd start in the big leagues.
Avisaíl Garcia homered and drove in three runs.
Garcia hit his team-leading ninth homer, a two-run drive off Patrick Corbin (3-4) in the first inning.
Christian Yelich hit an RBI triple in the third and scored on Garcia's grounder for a 4-0 lead.
That was plenty for Peralta, who has allowed more than three runs in a start just once this season. He threw 100 pitches and lowered his ERA to 2.38.
Peralta's only trouble came in the third when Juan Soto came up with two runners on and one out. Soto grounded into a double play, prompting him to slam his helmet into the dirt after crossing first base.
Soto’s frustration has become more evident as the season has moved on and his offensive production lags. His offensive struggles are relative to his past success -- he led MLB in OPS in 2020 -- yet they are an issue for an ineffective Washington offense.
Soto’s OPS is more than 300 points lower than it was last season. The Nationals entered Saturday 27th in runs scored.
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1of21Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Christian Yelich makes a diving catch on a ball hit by Washington Nationals' Josh Bell during the first inning of game one of a baseball doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less2of21Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta throws a pitch to the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington. The Brewers won 4-1.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less3of214of21Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) and catcher Manny Pina react after defeating the Washington Nationals in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington. The Brewers won 4-1.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less5of21Milwaukee Brewers' Avisail Garcia, right, is greeted near home plate by Christian Yelich (22) after hitting a two-run home run off Washington Nationals starting pitcher Patrick Corbin during the first inning of game one of a baseball doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington. Yelich scored on the home run.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less6of217of21Spectators wear rain covers as light precipitation falls on them during the sixth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader between the Washington Nationals and the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington. The Brewers won 4-1.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less8of21Washington Nationals' Kyle Schwarber runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta during the fourth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less9of2110of21Milwaukee Brewers' Christian Yelich connects for a triple against the Washington Nationals during the third inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less11of21Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto, right, makes a catch on a ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers' Willy Adames during the third inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less12of2113of21Washington Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia (2) is helped into the dugout by manager Dave Martinez, left, and trainer Paul Lessard after suffering an apparent injury while warming up during the third inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less14of21Washington Nationals' Andrew Stevenson lays down a bunt single against Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta during the third inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less15of2116of21Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Christian Yelich makes a diving catch on a ball hit by Washington Nationals' Josh Bell during the first inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less17of21Washington Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia, left, sits on the grass as shortstop Trea Turner (7) looks on after suffering an apparent injury while warming up during the third inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less18of2119of21Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Christian Yelich displays the ball after making a diving catch on a ball hit by Washington Nationals' Josh Bell during the first inning of game one of a baseball doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less20of21Washington Nationals starting pitcher Patrick Corbin throws a pitch to the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of game one of a baseball doubleheader, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington.Julio Cortez/APShow MoreShow Less21of21
Schwarber hit his ninth homer, a 439-foot drive in the fourth.
Milwaukee improved to 26-25 after Friday's rainout at Nationals Park caused a day-night doubleheader.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Nationals: 2B Luis García slipped while warming up between the second and third innings. He went to the ground right on the edge of the outfield grass by the shortstop position and was helped off the wet field by a trainer and Washington manager Dave Martinez. The Nationals do not provide in-game injury updates. Josh Harrison replaced García.
UP NEXT
Milwaukee LHP Brett Anderson (2-3, 4.34 ERA) is set to start the second game of a split doubleheader. LHP Jon Lester (0-2, 5.33 ERA) will pitch for the Nationals.
