As the excitement builds for the final game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic, the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers are set to clash this Sunday evening in the deciding contest of their three-game series. With the series tied at 1-1, fans can expect a thrilling showdown in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, at Journey Bank Ballpark.
Series Recap
The New York Yankees set the tone with a commanding 3-0 victory in the series opener on Friday, demonstrating their prowess with both pitching and hitting. However, the Detroit Tigers bounced back on Saturday, securing a definitive 4-0 win to even the series.
Key players have been in top form, with Yankees slugger Aaron Judge on a six-game hitting streak. Judge has shown his consistency and power, highlighted by a 3-for-3 performance with a home run and two runs scored in Friday's triumph, and contributing a double in Saturday's contest. His current season stats are nothing short of impressive, batting .332 with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBIs over 122 games.
Team Standings and Records
The Yankees are enjoying a stellar season, leading the American League East with a robust 73-51 record. Their domination over AL Central teams is particularly notable, as they boast a 20-4 record against this division. Meanwhile, the Tigers are fighting to climb the standings, currently sitting fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record. Their performance against AL East teams has been respectable, at 10-9.
Pitching Matchup
Sunday's game promises to be a battle of the pitchers. Detroit will rely on Tarik Skubal to take the mound. Skubal has been phenomenal this season, posting a 14-4 record with a 2.53 ERA. In 149.1 innings across 24 starts, he has allowed 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while striking out 180 batters. Skubal has garnered six wins in his last seven decisions, making him a formidable opponent for any team.
Opposing Skubal is Marcus Stroman for the Yankees. Stroman enters the game with an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA. Over 23 starts this season, he has pitched 121.1 innings, allowing 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks while striking out 87 batters. In his most recent outing, Stroman pitched five innings, conceding one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. His first matchup against Detroit this season resulted in a no-decision, as he pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three hits and one earned run in a 2-1 Yankees win on May 3.
Player Highlights
Infielder Colt Keith also made his mark for the Tigers, going 2-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday's victory. Keith is batting .251 this season, with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBIs over 112 games. He has been particularly effective in night games, collecting four doubles, three triples, and seven home runs under the lights.
Game Odds and Predictions
The latest odds have Detroit as a slight favorite, listed at -123 on the money line. The over/under for the game is set at 7.5 runs. According to the SportsLine Projection Model, the game is expected to be competitive, forecasting a total of 8.6 combined runs.
Anticipation Builds
The anticipation for this matchup is palpable as fans of both teams and baseball enthusiasts eagerly await the first pitch, scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. With top-tier pitchers on the mound and prolific hitters at the plate, the final game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic promises to be a spectacle worthy of the occasion. The outcome will not only decide the series but could also have significant implications for both teams as they push toward their postseason aspirations.