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Dylan Cease Sets Blue Jays Debut Strikeout Record

3/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dylan Cease made a historic debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on March 28, 2026, striking out 12 batters in 5 1/3 innings, setting a franchise record for debut strikeouts.
Cease's fastball averaged 99 mph, and he recorded 24 swings and misses, demonstrating his pitching dominance.
Although he allowed one run and left the game tied, the Blue Jays won 8-7 in extra innings.
This marked the first time since 1901 that two teammates struck out 11 or more batters in the first two games of a season, following Kevin Gausman's performance.

History

Historical Context

Bob Feller made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cleveland Indians on July 19, 1936, at just 17 years old, striking out 15 batters in his first game. His remarkable talent, including a fastball clocked at 98.6 mph, set a precedent for future pitchers. Dylan Cease's recent debut for the Toronto Blue Jays, where he struck out 12 batters, continues this legacy of exceptional pitching in baseball.

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Story summary

Dylan Cease made a historic debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on March 28, 2026, striking out 12 batters in 5 1/3 innings, setting a franchise record for debut strikeouts.
Cease's fastball averaged 99 mph, and he recorded 24 swings and misses, demonstrating his pitching dominance.
Although he allowed one run and left the game tied, the Blue Jays won 8-7 in extra innings.
This marked the first time since 1901 that two teammates struck out 11 or more batters in the first two games of a season, following Kevin Gausman's performance.

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