As Sunday evening approaches, baseball enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the third and deciding game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The series, currently tied at 1-1, has captured the hearts of many and promises an exciting showdown.
Series Recap
The Yankees kicked off the series with a commanding 3-0 victory on Friday, showcasing their strength and consistency. Detroit, however, responded vehemently on Saturday, claiming a 4-0 triumph to even the series. Both teams have displayed resilience, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
Season Performances
The Yankees lead the American League East with an impressive 73-51 record. Their dominance against AL Central teams this season is evident in their 20-4 record. Conversely, the Tigers hold the fourth spot in the AL Central with a 60-64 record and a 10-9 record against AL East teams. Each team has demonstrated considerable prowess, making the final game unpredictable.
Pitching Matchup
On the mound for Detroit will be Tarik Skubal, who has been phenomenal this season with a 14-4 record and a 2.53 ERA. In 24 starts, Skubal has allowed 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while striking out an impressive 180 batters in 149.1 innings. His recent form is particularly notable, with six wins in his last seven decisions, making him a critical player for Detroit's hopes.
New York's starting pitcher, Marcus Stroman, brings an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA to the game. Stroman's numbers include allowing 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks, paired with 87 strikeouts over 121.1 innings in 23 starts this season. His last outing saw him pitch five innings, conceding only one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. Stroman's previous encounter with Detroit resulted in a no-decision, where he pitched 5.1 innings and allowed three hits and one earned run in a 2-1 win on May 3.
Key Players to Watch
Infielder Colt Keith has been a notable performer for the Tigers. He went 2-for-4 with an RBI on Saturday, contributing significantly to Detroit's victory. Over the season, Keith has hit .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBI in 112 games. Particularly under the lights, Keith has excelled with four doubles, three triples, and seven homers.
For the Yankees, Aaron Judge has been on a tear, extending his hitting streak to six games. Judge has delivered four multi-hit performances in his last six games, highlighted by a 3-for-3 outing, including a homer and two runs scored in Friday's win over Texas. His consistent contributions continued on Saturday with a double in four at-bats. Judge's season statistics are nothing short of stellar, batting .332 with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBI over 122 games.
Game Preview
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. According to the latest odds, Detroit is a -123 favorite with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. The SportsLine Projection Model predicts a combined total of 8.6 runs, suggesting a tightly contested matchup.
The Yankees will rely on their superior record against AL Central teams and the red-hot form of Aaron Judge to tip the scales in their favor. Meanwhile, the Tigers will look to leverage Tarik Skubal's outstanding form and the promise shown by young talents like Colt Keith.
As fans gather in the historic setting of Williamsport, the stage is perfectly set for an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024 MLB Little League Classic.