Dylan Cease of the Toronto Blue Jays came within one out of a no-hitter Wednesday, but a leadoff single in the ninth inning by Heliot Ramos ended the bid as Toronto defeated the San Francisco Giants 10-0 at Oracle Park.
Cease Dominates Through Eight Innings
Cease, who has emerged as the Blue Jays' ace, threw a career-high 115 pitches through eight innings, striking out 11 batters and walking three. He did not allow a baserunner until the fifth inning when he issued a walk with two outs. The no-hit bid was preserved by a great running back-handed catch by centre fielder Daulton Varsho in the eighth inning.
Dave Stieb remains the only pitcher in Blue Jays history to throw a no-hitter, a feat he accomplished in 1990 at Cleveland's old Municipal Stadium. Bowden Francis twice came close in recent years, each time allowing a leadoff homer in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre.
Offensive Explosion Powers Victory
The Blue Jays' offence provided ample support, hitting three home runs, including back-to-back belts in the ninth inning. Kazuma Okamoto hit his first career grand slam in the fifth inning, a 340-foot blast that barely cleared the right-field wall and was confirmed by video review. The grand slam increased Okamoto's RBI total to 59, and he leads the team in home runs with 21.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ended a 0-for-4 start to the game with a two-run homer in the ninth inning, his first home run since June 18. George Springer followed with a solo shot, giving the Blue Jays three insurance runs.
The Ernie Clement-Nathan Lukes one-two punch at the top of the order has paid quick dividends, as both contact hitters consistently get on base. In the fifth inning, a key walk by Springer and a bloop single by Varsho set the stage for Okamoto's grand slam.
Cease vs. Schlittler Debate Continues
With the all-star game approaching on July 14 in Philadelphia, the debate over whether Cease or Cam Schlittler should start for the American League continues. Blue Jays manager John Schneider, who will also manage the AL team, has the ultimate call. Cease's dominant performance Wednesday strengthens his case.
The Blue Jays improved to 10-0 in games started by Cease this season. He has been a key factor in Toronto's playoff push, as the team looks to build on its recent success. The Blue Jays' nine-game road trip concludes in San Diego against the Padres before the all-star break.
