SAN FRANCISCO – In a remarkable display of pitching prowess, Dylan Cease of the Toronto Blue Jays came tantalizingly close to achieving a no-hitter during a game against the San Francisco Giants. The game took place on a Wednesday evening, where Cease was determined to secure what would have been his second career no-hitter.
Cease, who has garnered a reputation for his durability and skill on the mound, approached his manager, John Schneider, after the sixth inning to express his desire to continue. “Dylan came in after the sixth (inning) and said, ‘I’ve got 120,’” Schneider recounted. “I said, ‘OK.’ And then after the seventh, he said, ‘I’ve got 130.’” This communication highlighted the trust between the player and manager, allowing Cease to push his limits.
Cease’s bid for history extended into the ninth inning, where he was poised to complete the feat until Heliot Ramos broke up the no-hitter with a line-drive single to center field. Despite the disappointment of losing the no-hitter, Cease was met with a standing ovation from the San Francisco crowd as he exited the game, illustrating the respect he earned through his performance.
The Blue Jays ultimately secured a convincing 10-0 victory, with Tyler Rogers stepping in to finish the game, recording the final three outs on just four pitches. Cease’s impressive outing featured a career-high 118 pitches, 81 of which were strikes, and he struck out 11 batters, raising his American League-leading total to 148.
Reflecting on the game, Cease stated, “I kept saying, ‘Whatever it takes.’” He emphasized that he felt in top form throughout the game, effectively mixing his pitches and commanding the ball well. “I guess in my mind I thought maybe 130 at that point was what it was looking like,” he added.
Schneider’s decision to let Cease pitch deep into the game was based on his assessment of the player’s durability and the upcoming All-Star break, providing Cease with an opportunity to recover. He expressed his philosophy on such situations, stating, “I think if a guy has a chance to throw a no-hitter, I think you let him do it.”
Cease previously threw a no-hitter while playing for the San Diego Padres against the Washington Nationals on July 25, 2024. This latest performance brought back memories of another near miss, where he lost a no-hit bid with two outs in the ninth inning against Minnesota in September 2022. In that game, Luis Arraez had broken up his no-hitter, and Cease was relieved it was not Arraez who ended this attempt, as the second baseman for the Giants was the hitter following Ramos.
The Blue Jays franchise has not seen a no-hitter since Dave Stieb accomplished the feat on September 2, 1990. Cease’s performance reignites discussions about the rarity of solo no-hitters in Major League Baseball, especially as managers tend to prioritize pitcher health over historical milestones.
Throughout the game, Cease demonstrated his velocity, throwing two fastballs clocked at 97 mph before conceding the single to Ramos on a 96 mph sinker. “I wish I got it a little more in, but a good batter got a hit. It’s baseball,” he remarked, showcasing humility and sportsmanship.
Cease’s performance was supported by strong defensive plays from his team, including a standout catch by center fielder Daulton Varsho, which further fueled the momentum of the no-hit bid. “When Daulton made that play, it was like, ‘Man, that’s what happens in no-hitters,’” Cease recalled, acknowledging the importance of teamwork in achieving such milestones.
Ramos, recognizing Cease’s talent, commented, “I think he’s Cy Young-caliber,” further highlighting the respect and admiration for Cease’s capabilities on the mound.
For more updates on Major League Baseball, visit the AP MLB hub: AP MLB.
