Peralta takes step forward with positive outing

MILWAUKEE -- It wasn't pretty, but Friday night's performance from Wily Peralta in the Brewers' 3-1 win over the Phillies is what the club is looking for out of its big right-hander.

Making his fourth start since returning from the disabled list on July 28, Peralta held the Phillies scoreless over seven innings, scattering six hits and working out of multiple situations with runners on base, something he couldn't manage in previous outings. Peralta entered Friday having surrendered nine runs in his last 10 1/3 innings (two starts).

"I think he's going to gain some confidence out of tonight," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "It's a nice step forward for him."

Peralta was the staff's ace in 2014, leading the club in innings (198 2/3), wins (17) and strikeouts (154). Now, as the organization sets its sights on the future, the 26-year-old will play his part. Finishing a disappointing season for both himself and the team on a positive note is key for Peralta.

"I'm feeling better and better each," Peralta said. "I felt strong and commanded my pitches. ... My goal this year was to get close to 200 innings, but I missed two months. My goal is now to go out there and give the team a quality start and finish as strong as I can."

Peralta gave Counsell a brief scare in the seventh inning, as the right-hander appeared to slip while throwing a pitch and motioned his arm upward as if he was potentially in pain. However, it proved to be nothing and "everything is fine," said Peralta.

Peralta's health moving forward and getting him back in form heading into next season is paramount for Counsell and the Brewers. Along with other young arms in the starting rotation, Peralta can help pull Milwaukee out of a rebuilding phase quicker than usual.

"I think when you have a season like he's had, interrupted for so long, you're always wanting to get back on track," Counsell said. "Tonight helps him do that."