The Road to Glory
The 2024 College World Series has culminated in a thrilling showdown between two determined teams: Tennessee and Texas A&M. Only one will emerge as the new national champion in college baseball, and anticipation is at an all-time high.
In a dramatic twist, Tennessee managed to stave off a furious comeback attempt by Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon. By securing a 4-1 victory, the Vols tied the series 1-1, setting the stage for a high-stakes, winner-takes-all game on Monday.
The Journey So Far
The path to this pivotal moment has been anything but smooth. Early in the series, the Aggies gained momentum when Jace LaViolette launched a home run, but Tennessee quickly responded by scoring four uncontested runs, sealing the game at 4-1 in their favor. Even as Texas A&M threatened in the ninth inning, the score held, demonstrating Tennessee’s defensive resilience.
Initially, the College World Series featured eight teams vying for glory. However, Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida were gradually eliminated, leaving Tennessee and Texas A&M to face off in the finals. Notably, neither team has ever clinched a national championship, adding an extra layer of excitement to this year’s finale.
For Tennessee, this marks their first College World Series Finals appearance since 1951, while it is the inaugural finals appearance for Texas A&M. Both teams have shown incredible determination and skill, making for an unforgettable journey to the finals.
Key Players and Performances
Several standout players have been pivotal for both teams. Christian Moore, projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft, has anchored Tennessee’s offense all year. Moore etched his name into CWS history by hitting for the second cycle ever in the Vols' CWS-opening win over Florida State.
Texas A&M has faced adversity, reaching the finals despite missing their top hitter, Braden Montgomery, who is also a potential top-10 draft pick. Montgomery has been sidelined due to a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament, leaving the Aggies to show their depth and adaptability.
The Schedule Ahead
The question on everyone’s mind is, who will win it all this year? Here’s the schedule and everything you need to know about the College World Series Finals:
College World Series Finals Schedule
- Saturday, June 22 - Finals, Game 1: Texas A&M 9, Tennessee 5
- Sunday, June 23 - Finals, Game 2: Tennessee 4, Texas A&M 1
- Monday, June 24 - Finals, Game 3: Texas A&M vs. Tennessee, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Each game is available for streaming on fubo (try for free).
Highlights from the Series
The series has been packed with riveting action and unforgettable moments. On Friday, June 14, North Carolina edged out Virginia 3-2, while Tennessee narrowly outlasted Florida State with a 12-11 victory.
The following day, Kentucky clinched a 5-4 win over NC State after ten thrilling innings, and Texas A&M secured a narrow 3-2 victory against Florida.
As the series progressed, the competition intensified. Florida State eliminated Virginia with a decisive 7-3 win on Sunday, June 16, followed by Tennessee’s solid 6-1 victory over North Carolina.
By Wednesday, June 19, several teams faced elimination. Florida State dispatched North Carolina with a 9-5 victory, and Tennessee ended Florida State’s run with a 7-2 win.
The Super Regionals
The road to the College World Series Finals was paved with excitement and high-stakes matches during the Super Regionals. Highlights included Florida State’s dominant 24-4 win over UConn and Tennessee’s gritty 11-6 victory against Evansville.
North Carolina overcame West Virginia with an 8-6 win, while Virginia defeated Kansas State 7-4.
Texas A&M made a statement with a 15-9 triumph over Oregon, underscoring their championship aspirations. The Super Regionals also saw incredible comebacks such as Georgia’s 11-2 win over NC State and North Carolina’s nail-biting 2-1 victory against West Virginia.
Florida needed 13 innings to edge out Clemson 11-10, proving their tenacity despite their eventual elimination.
The Final Showdown
As we approach the final game, every element will be critical—pitching, batting, and maintaining composure under intense pressure. With neither team having previously won a national championship, the stakes could not be higher.
The anticipation surrounding this final showdown is palpable. Both Tennessee and Texas A&M have demonstrated remarkable resilience to reach this point. On Monday, one team will etch its name in the annals of college baseball history as the new champion. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024 College World Series.