San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease achieved the second no-hitter in the franchise’s history during a 3-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Cease, who struck out nine and walked three, threw 114 pitches to secure the historic feat. The final out came when Nationals All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams flew out to right field.
The game faced a significant disruption due to a 76-minute rain delay in the top of the first inning. Despite having warmed up before the delay, Cease and the Padres had to wait until the weather cleared before resuming play. Padres Manager Mike Shildt faced a critical decision on whether to keep Cease in the game or switch to a bullpen strategy. Shildt ultimately decided to retain Cease, who then proceeded to complete the no-hitter.
Cease’s performance was marked by a strong showing of pitching, including a notable pitch count of 114, one above his season high. The no-hitter is Cease’s first since joining the Padres from the Chicago White Sox before the season. The Padres have now recorded two no-hitters in their history, with Joe Musgrove having thrown the franchise’s first in 2021. This no-hitter also represents the second of the current season, following a similar achievement by Houston Astros’ Ronel Blanco in April.
Cease’s achievement was celebrated by his teammates and praised by Shildt for his ability to maintain focus despite the rain delay. However, some critics question the significance of the no-hitter, considering the Nationals’ struggles and the unique circumstances of the game.
The Nationals also made headlines for their recent signing of second-round draft pick Luke Dickerson to a $3.8 million bonus, a record for a player drafted in the second round or later.
Supportive of Cease’s Performance:
Dylan Cease’s no-hitter is praised for its exceptional achievement, particularly given the challenges he faced, including a significant rain delay. Supporters highlight Cease’s skill in overcoming the delay and his effective pitching that led to the second no-hitter in San Diego Padres’ history. They emphasize his performance as a testament to his resilience and capability, noting that Cease had previously been close to achieving a no-hitter
Critical of the No-Hitter’s Context:
Some perspectives question the significance of the no-hitter given the context of the Nationals’ performance and the game’s circumstances. Critics point out that the Nationals struggled against Cease, which could diminish the perceived difficulty of the achievement. Additionally, there is some criticism regarding the decision-making process of Padres Manager Mike Shildt, who faced a dilemma during the rain delay but ultimately decided to keep Cease in the game
Impact of the Rain Delay:
The rain delay is a significant factor in the story, as it impacted the game’s flow and the decision-making for the Padres. The delay forced a decision on whether to continue with Cease or transition to a bullpen game. While Shildt’s choice to stick with Cease is seen as a key factor in the success, some view the rain delay as an unusual circumstance that could have influenced the game’s outcome.
Cable News Network:
San Diego Padres’ Dylan Cease throws second no-hitter in franchise history
Washington Post:
Dylan Cease no-hits the Nationals as Padres complete sweep