Gatemen alum pitches no hitter in first AA game

Apr 30, 2019

The first overall selection in the 2018 MLB draft and Wareham Gatemen alum, Casey Mize took a big step in his baseball journey on Thursday, April 25, as he was promoted to the Erie Sea Wolves, a Double A affiliate of the Tigers.

In his Double A debut on Monday, Mize pitched a no-hitter against the Altoona Curve, a Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate. With 98 pitches, Mize hit the first batter of the game before striking out seven and walking one.

The Detroit Tigers drafted Mize in June 2018 with a signing bonus of around $7.5 million. He pitched one game with the rookie level league before being promoted to the A-Advanced league.

Mize was the first Cape leaguer to be drafted first overall since Yarmouth-Dennis’ Mark Appel was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 2013 MLB draft. Mize pitched with the Gatemen during the 2016 season.    

Mize’s career was off to a strong start during his summer with the Gatemen in 2016, as he posted a 3.00 ERA, with 11 strikeouts only allowing 9 hits in 12 innings of work.

During the summer of 2017, Mize represented the United States while playing for USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team. Mize did not allow a run in his 7 innings of work, allowing only 5 hits while striking out 8. Opponents hit only .192 against him.

Over 3 years with the Auburn Tigers, Mize had an average ERA of 2.96, an overall win-loss record of 20-13 and became the second two-time All-American and consensus All-American in program history.

At Single-A Lakeland this spring, Mize was almost unhittable. In 26 innings of work, he struck out 25, allowing 7 hits with a 0.35 ERA. Mize commands 4 pitches, including a fastball in the mid-90s.