Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres has been dominant on the mound, holding the Washington Nationals hitless through seven innings. The 28-year-old right-hander has been in control, throwing 94 pitches with an impressive 57 strikes. Cease has faced just one batter over the minimum, allowing only three baserunners so far in the game.
Washington's closest opportunity for a hit came in the fifth inning when Juan Yepez hit a fly ball to shallow center field. However, a heads-up play by the Padres' defense prevented a hit as the ball was caught after popping out of the second baseman's glove.
Cease, known for his pitching prowess, has only two complete games in his career, both shutouts. His season high in pitches is 113 over seven scoreless innings, a feat he achieved earlier in the season against the Chicago White Sox.
San Diego currently holds a 3-0 lead over the Nationals, thanks to Ha-Seong Kim's three-run single in the first inning. The only no-hitter in the MLB this season was thrown by Houston's Ronel Blanco against Toronto on April 1, with Joe Musgrove being the only Padres pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the past.
Cease's performance tonight has been nothing short of exceptional, keeping the Nationals' offense at bay and showcasing his pitching skills on the national stage. As the game progresses, all eyes will be on Cease as he aims to complete this impressive no-hit bid.
