All-Star pitcher Casey Mize is preparing to build on his August winning streak as the Detroit Tigers begin a three-game series at home versus the Kansas City Royals on Friday. The right-hander’s momentum this month has been fueled by solid offensive backing, with the Tigers scoring 23 runs over his three starts in August.
Strong Performance Against the Twins Highlights Mize’s Recent Form
In his last appearance on Saturday, Mize delivered a robust outing, pitching 6 1/3 innings, surrendering four runs on four hits and a walk while recording 10 strikeouts, matching his personal best, in an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins. His success was partly due to effective collaboration with catcher Dillon Dingler.
“I felt like I was on the same page with Ding (catcher Dillon Dingler) all game,”
Mize said.
“Ding made some calls that were things I wouldn’t normally do, but he clicked the right buttons, and we got out of at-bats by doing some different things.”
Mize’s adjustments were crucial since the Twins had recently faced him 12 days prior. After conceding three solo home runs on August 4, he sought to refine his approach in the rematch, despite allowing a three-run inning in the fifth.
“I felt like my stuff was sharp,”
Mize said.
“I was commanding the ball really well with everything. I was able to get pitches in on right-handed hitters, and I executed some fastballs at the bottom rail. I didn’t leave too many splitters up, and I executed the sliders.”
Tiger Manager Hinch Praises Mize’s Control and Composure
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch also praised Mize’s performance, emphasizing his strong command and emotional steadiness during the game.
“I thought he was really good,”
Hinch said.
“He was emptying his tank early, and he still had a lot left at the end, which I was really happy with. He had a really good fastball (Saturday), and his misses were small. He executed a lot and didn’t ride the emotions of all the (runners) left on base. He didn’t put any more pressure on himself.”
Mize Holds Mixed Record Against Royals Ahead of Series
Looking ahead at the Royals, Mize’s career stats against Kansas City include a 3-2 record with a 4.99 ERA in 12 starts. He registered a win in an April 26 outing with 5 1/3 innings of one-run pitching, followed by a no-decision on May 30 after conceding three runs in 3 1/3 innings at Kansas City.
Tigers Riding High After Recent Winning Streak
Entering this series, the Tigers appear confident, having won nine of their last eleven games. This stretch included a dominant three-game sweep of the Houston Astros during which Detroit’s pitching staff surrendered just two runs overall.
Rookie Ryan Bergert to Challenge Mize for Royals
The Tigers’ opponent on the mound, rookie right-hander Ryan Bergert, will make his fourth start since joining Kansas City from the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline. Bergert’s record stands at 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA for the Royals, and his recent outing saw him allow two runs (one earned) and six hits over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.
“I’ve kind of just been rolling, doing what I’ve been doing since I was called up this year,”
Bergert said.
“Kind of going straight at hitters, trying not to give in at any point and make good pitches.”
Bergert has consistently reached the sixth inning in his starts with Kansas City, demonstrating resilience and stamina in key moments.
“He’s pitched against some good teams when he was with the Padres, and we’ve thrown him right into the fire in big spots with us as well,”
Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.
“The stuff, you can tell when you watch, but then you watch the way hitters react to his stuff, and that’s exciting.”
Royals Seek to Narrow Gap in AL Wild-Card Race
Kansas City has surged recently, winning eight of their last ten to move within two games of the final American League wild-card spot. Their offense received a boost from first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who hit a homer for the fourth consecutive game on Thursday, helping the Royals defeat the Texas Rangers 6-4.
Tigers Maintain Comfortable Lead in AL Central Division
Despite the Royals’ push, the division-leading Detroit Tigers hold a commanding 9 1/2-game lead over Kansas City in the AL Central, underscoring their strong position down the stretch.