Peralta, Once Milwaukee's Ace, Starts for Rays in Game 3

Freddy Peralta, who spent eight seasons as a Milwaukee Brewers starter, pitches against his former team Monday night in Game 3 of the World Series at St. Petersburg, Florida. He starts for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Peralta established himself in Milwaukee as a fan favorite and one of the staff's most reliable arms. Last October he struck out nine Cubs hitters in a playoff victory. He later moved from Milwaukee to the Mets, then to Tampa Bay. With the Rays he won American League Championship Series MVP. He has also changed his pitching mechanics, which could leave Brewers hitters unfamiliar with his delivery.

Milwaukee fans who followed Peralta's years with the club said they still root for him, with limits. "Love him, but tonight we got to beat him," said Heather Von Ruden. Kyle Von Ruden called him "a good guy" and added, "But not tonight." Dan Luchsinger said, "He'll never be an enemy; he was great for us. But go Brewers!"

Peralta takes the ball for a Rays team trying to keep its season from ending. First pitch is scheduled for Monday night at the ballpark in St. Petersburg.