Dylan Cease pitched six dominant innings, allowing just one hit and striking out 11 batters to lead the San Diego Padres to a 4-0 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.
“I finally got everything working together,” Cease said. “Tonight was more of what I’ve been aiming for.”
David Peralta contributed with three hits and two RBIs, while All-Star Luis Arraez added three hits and drove in a run. Manny Machado also had a strong game, hitting his 13th home run and collecting three hits for the Padres.
“Arraez was in control at the plate today,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “He shows that control pretty much every day.”
The Padres ended a five-game losing streak with this win, having scored only five runs in their previous four games.
“We executed well in all aspects. We had clutch hitting with three two-out RBIs, stole some bases, and played solid defense,” Shildt commented. “It felt like a playoff game. Both teams had their top pitchers on the mound… Two strong lineups, two strong teams.”
Cease (8-8) threw 69 of his 106 pitches for strikes, effectively mixing his fast four-seam fastball with his slider to keep the Braves’ hitters off balance.
In the fourth inning, Cease worked out of a tough situation by striking out Eddie Rosario with runners at second and third and two outs, preventing the Braves from scoring.
“He was electric. He came out firing, really sharp today,” Shildt praised. “He was dynamic, about as good as it gets. I loved his demeanor on the mound too. He took charge.”
Cease received a standing ovation from the crowd of 43,097 at Petco Park, which was the Padres’ 31st sold-out game of the season. As he walked off the field after striking out the side in the sixth inning, Cease enthusiastically waved his arms towards the Padres’ dugout.
