Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize earned a spot in Detroit’s starting rotation to begin the 2021 season and made his first appearance on the mound this afternoon.
He looked every bit the part, striking out the side to kick off the proceedings and eventually earning four strikeouts on the afternoon while allowing a single run.
And what made this season debut different from last year is that his family was able to be in attendance.
“Really special,” Mize said of his family watching him pitch live. “I hated it for them last year that they couldn’t be a part of what we’ve all worked for. I definitely wouldn’t be here without my parents and my brother, so for them to be here to see me pitch in a Big League stadium in front of fans, it means a lot to me and I hope it meant a lot to them.”
It was a quick start to the game for Mize, as he struck out three of the first four Minnesota Twins players he faced.
“Good start to the game, I liked my stuff early,” he said. “We stuck to the game plan early…really executed the game plan in the 1st and was super happy with it.”
Of course, Mize is also loving what he’s been seeing from rookie Akil Baddoo, who has had a story-book beginning to his MLB career. The latest chapter was authored this afternoon in the bottom of the 10th inning, as Baddoo’s walk-off single gave Detroit the victory.
“It’s literally been something new from him every day, it’s been unbelievable,” Mize said of Baddoo. “It’s a special start to his career and it’s really fun to be his teammate and be a part of it. I’m super happy for him.”
– – Quotes via Bally Sports Detroit Link – –
