Chicago White Sox: Dylan Cease matches Catfish Hunter
By David Hill
Pitchers in the American League are not supposed to be even close to competent at the plate. As painful as it may be to watch National League pitchers flailing away, at least they get in the batter’s box every fifth day. However, no one told Chicago White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease that he was supposed to struggle when he took his turn at the plate.
On Tuesday, Cease became the second pitcher since 1901 to strike out at least ten batters, allow no more than one hit, and notch three hits at the plate himself. The only other pitcher to do that was Catfish Hunter when he fired his perfect game in 1968.
Dylan Cease of the @whitesox is the second pitcher in the modern era to strike out 10 or more, allow no more than one hit and also have 3+ hits at the plate in a game.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) May 5, 2021
The other was Catfish Hunter in his perfect game on May 8, 1968.
Dylan Cease makes statement for Chicago White Sox
Cease dominated on the mound. He allowed just one hit in his six shutout innings, striking out 11 batters while issuing three walks. With rumors circulating about disharmony in the clubhouse, and players losing confidence in Tony La Russa, the White Sox desperately needed this type of outing.
More White Sox. A possible Tony La Russa problem. light
As dominant as he was on the mound, he was just as good at the plate. Cease went 3-3 at the dish, scoring a run in the top of the fourth inning. Even though he was at 98 pitches, and Yermin Mercedes was available off the bench, the White Sox should have just let him take another hack in the top of the seven when he was replaced.
There are multiple reasons as to why Cease’s performance at the plate was so impressive. First, he had more hits (3) than the Reds (2) did as a team. Second, Cease had never had a professional at bat before Tuesday at any level, majors or minors. The last time he had swung a bat before batting practice was in high school back in 2014.
Perhaps this game is what the White Sox needed. Cease has finally begun to pitch as he was expected to, showing why he was considered such a hot prospect. With his performance on Tuesday, the whispers can quiet down for at least another day.
Next. Too early to worry about Liam Hendriks. dark
Dylan Cease had a game for the record books on Tuesday. The Chicago White Sox pitcher showed that he can get it done on the mound and at the plate.