In a historic game on Thursday, Dylan Cease made San Diego Padres history by throwing the franchise's second-ever no-hitter, just 582 games after Joe Musgrove achieved the same feat. Cease, a native of San Diego, showcased his pitching prowess against the Washington Nationals after a rain delay of 76 minutes.

Cease took the mound after the storm cleared and immediately made an impact. The Padres swiftly scored three runs, courtesy of Ha-Seong Kim's bases-loaded single, giving Cease a comfortable lead to work with. Despite some early struggles and control issues, Cease powered through the game, unleashing biting sliders and fastballs that reached speeds of up to 100 mph.

Walking three batters during the game, Cease admitted that he wasn't entirely sharp, but it was enough to keep the Nationals off the scoreboard. As the game reached its climax, right fielder Bryce Johnson caught CJ Abrams' line drive for the final out, prompting a joyous celebration among the Padres, with Cease being embraced by catcher Luis Campusano.

Interestingly, Cease had come agonizingly close to a no-hitter before. As a member of the Chicago White Sox on September 3, 2022, he was just one out away from achieving the feat when his now-teammate, Luis Arraez, ended the bid with a single. Arraez, who watched from the dugout as Cease sealed his no-hitter, handed him the ball, expressing his excitement and relief.

Cease's recent dominant performances have become the norm for him, with catcher Luis Campusano revealing that he was not even aware of the Nationals' hitless status until the sixth inning. In his last three starts, Cease has thrown a staggering 20 scoreless innings while allowing fewer than three hits, a remarkable accomplishment not seen since 1938.

The game against the Nationals also showcased Cease's ability to navigate challenging situations. Despite issuing two walks to Lane Thomas, Cease managed to face the minimum number of batters through four innings, thanks to a caught stealing and an inning-ending double play. He continued to exhibit his composure, retiring batters with ease and keeping the Nationals at bay.

As Cease approached the latter innings, his pitch count rose, prompting a conversation with manager Mike Shildt about potentially removing him. However, Cease convinced Shildt to let him continue, and he delivered with confidence and precision.

With only nine pitches in the eighth inning, Cease showcased his defensive skills as well. A near-disastrous play by second baseman Xander Bogaerts was resolved when he made a quick recovery and throw to get the out. Cease's remarkable performance continued into the ninth inning, where he retired the first two batters before allowing a line drive by Abrams. However, Cease completed his no-hitter by getting the final out of the game.

The rain-delayed game started on a wet note but culminated in a historic achievement for Cease and the Padres. The victory solidified Cease's status as an elite pitcher, joining the ranks of Padres greats such as Joe Musgrove. The 2021 no-hitter by Musgrove, followed by Cease's accomplishment, has undoubtedly etched their names in Padres history.

The Padres' organization and fans celebrated Cease's incredible achievement, realizing that they had witnessed a magnificent and historic day in San Diego baseball.