Cease simply unhittable; Kershaw returns; a big trade!

A light eight-game slate featured some big-time storylines Thursday — and two late-night deals. In the nation’s capital, Dylan Cease spun a no-hitter – just the second in Padres history – and in LA, Clayton Kershaw made his season debut with a solid start vs. the Giants. On today’s episode … ACT 1: THE BIG STORIES (0:50-4:34) He’s come oh so close before, but this time Dylan Cease was more than up to the challenge, tossing the second no-hitter in the Majors this season as he dominated the Nationals. Not lost in the shuffle either was the win vaulting the Friars into the third NL Wild Card spot. Meanwhile at Chavez Ravine, Clayton Kershaw returned from offseason shoulder surgery to make his 2024 debut for the Dodgers with a fine four-inning outing in a win over the Giants. ACT 2: AROUND THE LEAGUE (4:42-8:16) The Mets edged the Braves with their seventh walk-off win of ’24, the Orioles blew a six-run lead before bouncing back to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Marlins, the Guardians came up empty and were shut out by the Tigers, and Max Scherzer – now alone in 10th place on the all-time strikeouts list – threw six innings of one-run ball as the Rangers completed a four-game sweep of the White Sox. Before we look ahead to this weekend, there were not one but TWO trades last night. Randy Arozarena went to the Mariners and A.J. Puk was dealt to the D-backs. Get ready for a wild few days until the Trade Deadline. ACT 3: LOOKING AHEAD (8:18 - 9:59) There are some stellar matchups that kick off tonight, with the Yankees heading to Fenway Park, the Astros hosting the Dodgers, and the Braves and Mets continuing their four-game set. The marquee matchup, though? The Guardians taking on the Phillies in the City of Brotherly Love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices