San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease did not allow a hit in his first four innings of work against the Washington Nationals on Thursday. His unblemished work was seriously threatened by Juan Yepez, who blooped a little Texas Leaguer out behind second base that turned into a difficult chance for Padres second baseman Xander Bogaerts.
Bogaerts failed in his attempt to corral the pop fly, but thankfully for Cease baseball is a team game. The ball caromed directly into the glove of centerfielder Jackson Merrill.
