Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease came within three outs of a no-hitter, but San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos broke up the bid with a leadoff single in the ninth inning. The Blue Jays still cruised to a 10-0 victory on Wednesday night in San Francisco.
Cease dominates through eight innings
Cease, acquired by the Blue Jays in a trade earlier this season, was dominant through the first eight innings, striking out 11 batters and walking two. He faced the minimum through six innings, with the only baserunners erased by double plays. The right-hander threw 104 pitches, 70 for strikes, before being lifted after Ramos' hit.
"I felt great all night," Cease said. "I had good command of my fastball and my slider was working. It's disappointing not to finish it, but the win is what matters."
Blue Jays offense erupts
The Blue Jays provided plenty of run support, scoring four runs in the first inning off Giants starter Logan Webb. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run homer, and George Springer added a solo shot. Toronto added three more runs in the fifth and three in the eighth to put the game out of reach.
Guerrero finished 3-for-5 with four RBIs, and Bo Bichette had three hits and two RBIs. The Blue Jays pounded out 14 hits in total.
Cease's near no-hitter highlights strong season
Cease, who no-hit the Washington Nationals in 2021 as a member of the Chicago White Sox, has been a key addition to the Blue Jays' rotation. He entered the game with a 9-4 record and a 3.12 ERA. The near no-hitter was his third career complete game and his second bid for a no-hitter.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said, "Dylan was electric tonight. He had everything working. It's a tough break, but he'll have more opportunities."
Giants struggle offensively
The Giants managed just two hits on the night, both singles. Ramos' hit was the only one off Cease, and reliever Tim Mayza allowed a single to Mike Yastrzemski in the ninth. San Francisco struck out 13 times and left only two runners on base.
Webb took the loss, allowing seven runs on nine hits over 4 2/3 innings. The Giants have lost three straight and are now 48-41 on the season.
The Blue Jays improved to 55-34, maintaining their lead in the American League East. The two teams conclude their three-game series on Thursday.
