On Thursday, Dylan Cease and the Chicago White Sox came into Minute Maid Park in Houston and dominated the defending World Series champion Houston Astros.
Cease pitched 6.1 innings and allowed just one run on two hits, while not allowing a walk and striking out 10 Astros hitters.
He did not factor into the decision, but the South Siders rallied late and held on for a 3-2 win.
Cease set an early tone and delivered a strong performance for the White Sox, who are looking to put a disappointing 2022 season behind them.
On Twitter, Buster Olney made a very bold claim about Cease after his dominant performance, saying that he belongs in the conversation for the best pitcher in all of baseball.
For anyone who didn’t see Dylan Cease throw last night: He’s right in the middle of the conversation for Best Pitcher on The Planet. The stuff and command were absurdly great, he struck out 10 of the 22 batters he faced, and retired 19 straight batters. https://t.co/8VaKhhLqyi
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 31, 2023
Cease certainly proved Olney’s point on Thursday.
While he didn’t earn a win for his efforts, he still pitched admirably as the White Sox stunned the crowd in Houston.
Last season, the young right-hander won 14 games in 32 starts.
The 27-year-old also pitched 184 innings and struck out 227 batters, while posting a 2.20 ERA on the season.
And his dominance on Thursday was a good sign for the White Sox as they begin their journey under first-year manager Pedro Grifol.
Cease finished second behind Justin Verlander last season in ERA.
So far, he’s off to a good start and set a positive tone early for the White Sox as they stole the show in Houston.
The White Sox will continue their series against the Astros on Friday and send Lance Lynn to the mound for the second game.
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White Sox GM Comments On Seeing Jose Abreu Soon
