Cease’s struggles and lifeless Padres bats lead to dropped series in Miami
Jul 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Jesus Sanchez (7) celebrates at home plate with center fielder Javier Sanoja (46) after hitting a two-run home run against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
LoanDepot Park- Miami, FL
After dropping a bitterly disappointing game on Tuesday, the Padres looked to bounce back and win the series in Miami Wednesday afternoon. Dylan Cease looked to build on his strong start to the second half from the weekend.
He immediately showed signs of his first-half self, issuing two walks to open the bottom of the first. Cease looked like he was going to wiggle out of it, striking out the next two hitters. But, as they often do, the leadoff walks burned Cease. Agustín Ramírez lined a two-out single to center, scoring the Marlins’ first run.
The Padres were able to even things up in the top of the fourth against Marlins starter and former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara. Luis Arraez singled and then took second on an errant pickoff throw. Manny Machado then lined an RBI single to make the error costly, tying the game at one.
The lead was short-lived, as Cease continued to struggle in the fifth. However, it wasn’t all Cease’s fault. As has been the theme of this series, the defense let him down. Manny Machado continues his head-scratchingly poor season defensively by making his MLB-leading 14th error. That set up a Jesus Sanchez two-run homer, giving Miami a 3-1 lead.
Dylan Cease, Dirty 85mph Knuckle Curve. 😨 pic.twitter.com/7TtnAyOwOo
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 23, 2025
After five innings, with 95 pitches, allowing four hits, three walks, and three runs, Cease was done. Kyle Hart entered in the sixth inning and proceeded to toss two clean frames a day after being recalled from El Paso.
The Padres clawed closer in the top of the eighth. After finally getting Alcantara out of the game after seven frames, the Padres got to Josh Simpson. Jackson Merrill led off with a double, and he scored on a pinch-hit RBI single by Jose Iglesias. San Diego looked for more with runners on first and second and two outs, but Luis Arraez lined out to center to end the rally with the Padres still trailing 3-2.
That was all the Padres would muster as Calvin Faucher locked down the Padres for the final six outs to earn his ninth save of the year.
Much like in Tuesday’s loss, the Padres lost by one run in a game marred by missed opportunities. Machado’s error, Cease’s lack of control, and the lack of timely hits doomed the Padres once more. The bottom of the lineup continues to bog down the offense.
Native of Escondido, CA. Lived in San Diego area for 20 years. Padres fan since childhood (mid-90s). I have been writing since 2014. I currently live near Seattle, WA and am married to a Seattle sports girl. I wore #19 on my high school baseball team for Tony Gwynn. I am a stats and sports history nerd. I attended BYU on the Idaho campus. I also love Star Wars.