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Brewers Gambled, Lost and Now Face Elimination Without Their Ace

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 12:48 AM ET

Highlights

Freddy Peralta started Game 4 instead of being saved for a decisive Game 5.
Ian Happ’s first-inning three-run homer put the Brewers behind early.
Peralta went 17–6 with a 2.70 ERA in 2025 but now can’t start Game 5.

The Milwaukee Brewers tried to finish the Division Series on their terms. With Freddy Peralta lined up for a potential Game 5, they used him in Game 4, hoping to shut down the Cubs before the series went the distance.

It was aggressive, and it backfired.

Ian Happ’s three-run homer in the first inning buried Milwaukee in an early hole, and the Brewers couldn’t climb out. Now, instead of advancing, they’ll play a winner-take-all Game 5 without their ace available to start.

Why They Chose Peralta

The Brewers manager, Pat Murphy, didn’t make much of a fuss about the decision.

Peralta was coming off a dominant season, his best yet in Milwaukee. He went 17–6 with a 2.70 ERA, 204 strikeouts, and a 1.08 WHIP across 30 starts. On normal four days’ rest, he was 5–2 with a 2.59 ERA, showing no drop-off in effectiveness.

He had also delivered in Game 1, giving the Brewers a 9–3 win. Peralta worked 5.2 innings, struck out nine, and allowed just two runs, tying the franchise postseason strikeout record. Milwaukee trusted him to repeat that performance and close out the series.

Manager Pat Murphy explained it before the game: the goal was to win now and deal with tomorrow later. With Peralta rested and ready, it made sense on paper.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta walks off the mound after pitching six plus innings. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesBenny Sieu-Imagn Images

How the Brewers Handle Game 5

That leaves Milwaukee in a tough spot heading into Game 5. With Peralta already used and Quinn Priester unavailable on such short rest, the most likely option is Aaron Ashby on regular rest despite his rough 1.2 innings and three runs allowed in Game 2. They could have rookie Jacob Misiorowski for bulk innings.

However, they script it, the Brewers will not have the comfort of handing the ball to their ace, and the margin for error shrinks even further in a winner-take-all.

How It Went Wrong

The series has been defined by quick starts, and Game 4 was no different.

Happ’s swing in the first inning gave Chicago the lead before Peralta had a chance to settle in. The Cubs padded it from there, and Milwaukee’s offense never recovered.

Peralta finished the night charged with multiple runs in fewer than six innings, a line far from what he produced in his opener. Instead of pushing the Brewers into the next round, his outing left them scrambling.

The biggest cost wasn’t just the loss. By using Peralta, the Brewers lose the chance to start him in Game 5. Even if he’s available for an inning of relief, Milwaukee won’t have its most dependable starter to open the game that now decides their season.

What the Alternative Looked Like

The other path was to piece together Game 4 with bullpen arms or a back-end starter, saving Peralta for the do-or-die finale. It wouldn’t have been comfortable, but it would have given the Brewers their best pitcher in the biggest game.

Instead, they gambled on ending it early, and the Cubs made them pay. The approach left Milwaukee without their top starter for the ultimate moment.

Armchair Managing

If the Brewers win Game 5, the debate fades into the background. The decision will appear to be a calculated risk. But if they lose, this will be the talking point all winter.

Peralta’s season proved he was the right pitcher to lean on. His Game 1 showed why he’s the ace. But in October, timing is everything. The Brewers chose now instead of later, and now they’ll try to survive the series finale without him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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