CHICAGO (AP) — Dylan Cease struck out 12 and combined with two relievers on a one-hitter, and the San Diego Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 3-0 on Wednesday.

Cease went seven innings in a triumphant return to Chicago after the White Sox dealt him to San Diego in March. He allowed the Cubs’ lone hit when he deflected Yan Gomes’ comebacker and the ball ricocheted toward second baseman Xander Bogaerts, whose throw to first was late by a slim margin.

Cease (5-2) walked two and hit a batter while matching a career high with 113 pitches. The right-hander has a 2.19 ERA through eight starts.

“I think this is the best I’ve commanded the ball ever, really,” said Cease, who struggled last season after finishing second in the 2022 AL Cy Young Award vote. “I think I’m throwing it really well right now.”

As for the rather high pitch total in this game?