Drama Unfolds as Dylan Cease Exits Game with Injury After Losing No-Hit Bid
May 7, 2025, 10:05 PM ET
NEW YORK — In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease was forced to leave his start against the New York Yankees due to an apparent injury, just moments after losing a no-hit bid in the seventh inning. The game, which was tied 1-1 at the time of Cease’s departure, eventually saw the Yankees clinch a 4-3 victory in extra innings.
The tension at Yankee Stadium was palpable as Cody Bellinger shattered the no-hit dream with a powerful homer into the second deck in right field. This came off an 0-2 fastball clocked at a blistering 98 mph, marking New York’s first hit of the night.
Cease, undeterred, struck out Anthony Volpe and was ahead 1-2 in the count against Jasson Domínguez when Padres manager Mike Shildt and an athletic trainer made their way to the mound. The discussion that ensued saw Cease nodding his head repeatedly, a gesture that left fans and teammates alike holding their breath. Ultimately, Cease walked off the field with the trainer, heading into the dugout.
After the game, Shildt expressed hope that Cease’s injury was merely a forearm cramp, emphasizing the team’s cautious approach to avoid any further risk. In the meantime, Jason Adam was given ample time to warm up on the field and successfully struck out Domínguez, ending the inning.
Cease’s performance was nothing short of impressive, as he threw 59 of his 89 pitches for strikes, struck out a season-best nine batters, and walked two over a season-high 6 2/3 innings. Another batter reached base due to catcher’s interference. Despite his efforts, Cease exited the game with a 1-2 record and a 4.91 ERA over eight starts this season, leaving the score tied at 1-all.
Acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a March 2024 trade, Cease has been a valuable asset for the Padres. He finished second in the 2022 AL Cy Young Award balloting and fourth in NL voting last year, boasting a 14-11 record with a 3.47 ERA in 33 starts during his first season with San Diego.
Yankee Stadium’s No-Hitter Legacy
- There have been 12 no-hitters pitched at Yankee Stadium, including Don Larsen’s perfect game for New York in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
- Eight no-hitters have been thrown against the Yankees, with six occurring in New York.
- Four of these no-hitters have taken place since the team began playing at Yankee Stadium in 1923.
- The most recent no-hitter against the Yankees was a combined effort by Houston pitchers Cristian Javier, Héctor Neris, and Ryan Pressly on June 25, 2022.
As the dust settles on this dramatic game, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on updates regarding Cease’s condition. His potential absence could be a significant blow to the Padres as they navigate the rest of the season. For now, the baseball world waits with bated breath, hoping for a swift recovery for the talented right-hander.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
