LAKELAND, Fla. — There was a lot on Casey Mize’s mind in Thursday’s 15-11 win over the New York Yankees.
The Detroit Tigers right-hander was making his first start of the spring. And it happened to come against theYankees, his favorite team growing up. He was also pitching opposite the Yankees' $324 million ace, Gerrit Cole.
But there was something else, too, on his mind: Home.
Back in Nashville, Tenn., Mize’s friends and community were still reeling from the tornado that struck Tuesday and killed at least 25 people.
“I wouldn’t say I compartmentalize it easily because it's bigger than ball,” he said.