Peralta records win in Triple-A debut
The Brewers' top prospect allowed three runs on six hits and struck out eight over six innings to earn the win in his Triple-A debut Friday as the Nashville Sounds pounded the Las Vegas 51s, 13-3.
Promoted from Double-A Huntsville after Frankie De La Cruz was called up to Milwaukee, Peralta survived a rocky opening inning. He issued a leadoff walk to Ricardo Nanita, then surrendered a double to newly promoted Adeiny Hechavarria that put runners at second and third.
Travis Snider plated a run with a groundout and David Cooper lifted a sacrifice fly to give the 51s a quick 2-0 lead before Jayson Nix flied out to end the frame.
Peralta, who said he wasn't nervous taking the mound, retired the side in order in the second and third. After allowing another run in the sixth, the 22-year-old right-hander exited with the lead, having thrown 61 of 99 pitches for strikes.
"I struggled with my command in the first inning, and after that it was good," Peralta said. "I felt a little uncomfortable in the first inning, but after that I got my rhythm. After the first two hitters, I slowed down a little bit and said I had to make the pitches. And I was good after that."
Signed as a non-drafted free agent in November 2005, Peralta received the news about his promotion earlier in the week from Huntsville manager Mike Guerrero and pitching coach John Curtis.
"I was very happy, very excited," he said. "Triple-A is another level. You're going to face better hitters."
Peralta earned Southern League midseason All-Star honors and went 9-7 with a 3.46 ERA in 21 starts for the Stars. He was particularly dominant in his final 10 outings, going 6-1 and allowing 14 earned runs while striking out 57.
"I'm pretty happy," the native of the Dominican Republic said. "To go out there and get the win in your first game, I'm happy."
Donovan Hand allowed a hit in a scoreless seventh and Daniel Meadows pitched around a hit and a walk over the final two innings to complete the win for the Sounds.
Logan Schaffer and Jordan Brown hit back-to-back homers to open the bottom of the first for the Sounds. Brown finished 3-for-5 with three runs scored and Eric Farris collected three hits and three RBIs. Taylor Green slugged his 21st longball for the Sounds.
Hechevarria, who was also playing in his first Pacific Coast League game, had two hits and scored twice for the 51s.
Robert Emrich is a contributor to MLB.com.