Cubs Offense Struggles Against Former White Sox Pitcher Dylan Cease in 3-0 Loss to Padres
Cubs hitter Michael Bush found himself off balance in the batter’s box, unable to connect with Cease’s pitches. Cease’s dominance was evident as he struck out 12 Cubs batters over seven shutout innings.
“Cease was really good,” commented Cubs manager Craig Counsell. “When you’re seeing 99 [mph]s in the seventh inning, you know that’s a pitcher that was feeling good. And the slider was really, really good today.”
Although Cease began his career with the Cubs before being traded to the White Sox and eventually to the Padres, he expressed enjoyment in returning to Chicago. His strong performance for the Padres continued, boasting a 2.19 ERA in eight starts.
Cease attributed his success to a process of self-discovery and mechanical adjustments, emphasizing the importance of consistency in pitching mechanics.
Despite a lone hit by Cubs catcher Yan Gomes and a few other batters reaching base through walks and hit by pitch, Cease’s dominance was evident. His fastball velocity remained high, and his sliders garnered numerous whiffs and called strikes.
Reflecting on the Cubs’ offensive struggles, Ian Happ acknowledged their inconsistency but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rebound. He noted the pitching staff’s reliability and believed the offense would soon find its rhythm.
The Cubs may have faltered against Cease in this game, but with their resilience and talent, they remain poised to bounce back in upcoming matchups.