After an outing marked by three home runs allowed, Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize will start in the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday afternoon. Despite recent struggles, Mize’s latest performance showed signs of improvement, raising hopes for his next appearance in the Casey Mize Tigers Angels finale.
Mize’s Recent Performances Suggest Progress Despite Setbacks
Mize (10-4, 3.50 ERA) had failed to reach the fifth inning in each of his three prior starts before Monday’s game against Minnesota. In that outing, he pitched efficiently, throwing just 67 pitches while allowing only one additional hit and no walks, securing his 10th win.
Reflecting on his performance, Mize shared,
“Did some better things. I started to command the fastball better as the game went on, and I’m pleased with that. I commanded the slider really well, too. Just made mistakes with the splitter, and that’s what really frustrates me. When I throw that pitch where I want, I’m getting really positive results. But I’m leaving it over the heart of the plate too much right now.”
—Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers pitcher
Manager A.J. Hinch Focuses on the Positives Amid Inconsistency
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch highlighted the bright spots in Mize’s outing despite the home runs allowed.
“Casey did his job,” Hinch noted.
If you start the day and say you’re going six innings with three runs or less, it’s a good day.
—A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers manager
Mize’s record against the Angels remains solid, boasting a 2-0 mark with a 3.80 ERA across four career starts versus Los Angeles.
Angels Counter with Jack Kochanowicz in Closing Game
Los Angeles will start right-hander Jack Kochanowicz (3-9, 5.85) in the finale. After a rough first inning in his previous game against the Chicago White Sox, Kochanowicz settled in to complete six innings, allowing only one additional run and helping his team secure an 8-5 victory.
Discussing his mindset ahead of the game, Kochanowicz told The Orange County Register,
I think I got a good, consistent feeling going back to the back half of that (last start),
adding,
I know what I need to do mentally, to just go in and start it the right way.
—Jack Kochanowicz, Los Angeles Angels pitcher
Walk Control Remains a Key Challenge for Kochanowicz
Walks have been a significant hurdle for Kochanowicz, who has issued 53 free passes over 104 2/3 innings pitched. This control issue contributed to his demotion to Triple-A last month. However, in his last outing, he managed to allow only one walk in the final five innings as the Angels rallied for a win.
Kochanowicz reflected on the difficulty of maintaining consistency, stating,
We try to be machines out there,
and added,
That’s the toughest part, to try to go out and there and feel exactly the same as I did last time. That’s the toughest part of it. But I feel good. I had a good (bullpen session) this week.
—Jack Kochanowicz, Los Angeles Angels pitcher
In his two-year career, Kochanowicz has faced the Tigers twice, compiling a 1-1 record and a 4.09 ERA against Detroit.
Team Insights from Interim Manager Ray Montgomery
Angels interim manager Ray Montgomery noted improvements in Kochanowicz’s pitching strategy, emphasizing his developing ability to vary speed and spin to deceive hitters.
Montgomery explained,
I think we saw later in that start his last time out about changing speeds and spinning the ball a little bit and creating deception even to his best pitch,
adding,
He’s going to have to keep going through it. He’s going to have to learn to keep turning lineups over multiple times. It’s part of the process.
—Ray Montgomery, Los Angeles Angels interim manager
Series Standing Sets Stage for Decisive Game
The Tigers and Angels have split the first two games of their current series. Detroit prevailed 6-5 on Friday, while Los Angeles took the 7-4 win on Saturday, powered by Taylor Ward’s three hits and a clutch two-run homer. This finale promises to be a tightly contested battle with both teams eager to gain the edge.
Looking Ahead to the Final Faceoff
The Sunday matchup will be critical for both teams as they aim to secure a series win. For the Tigers, a strong start from Casey Mize will be essential to build momentum and improve his recent outings. Meanwhile, the Angels will rely on Jack Kochanowicz to maintain better control and continue refining his pitch sequencing. The outcome may influence the teams’ morale and standing in the weeks ahead, making this final game a crucial moment in their ongoing seasons.