As the stage is set for the thrilling conclusion to the 2024 MLB Little League Classic, the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers will clash this Sunday evening to determine the series victor. The epic showdown, tied at one game apiece, promises to be a compelling spectacle for fans as both teams have displayed exemplary performances thus far.
Series Recap
The New York Yankees kicked off the series with an emphatic 3-0 victory on Friday, showcasing their dominant form that's driven them to the top of the American League East with a stellar record of 73-51. However, the Detroit Tigers responded with an equally commanding 4-0 win in the second game on Saturday, underscoring their resilience despite being fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record.
As the Yankees march into the decisive game, they boast a remarkable 20-4 record against AL Central teams this season, while the Tigers hold their ground with a 10-9 record against AL East teams. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes match.
Pitching Matchup
On the mound for Detroit will be the formidable Tarik Skubal. Skubal, with an impressive 14-4 record and a 2.53 ERA, has been a standout performer this season. Over 149.1 innings in 24 starts, he has allowed 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while striking out a staggering 180 batters. Skubal's consistency is underscored by his recent form, having secured six wins in his last seven decisions.
Opposing Skubal is Marcus Stroman, the Yankees' seasoned pitcher with an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA. Stroman has pitched 121.1 innings across 23 starts, conceding 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks while striking out 87 batters. In his last outing, Stroman demonstrated his resilience by pitching five innings and allowing one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. Notably, his previous encounter with Detroit on May 3rd concluded in a no-decision where he pitched 5.1 innings, allowing just three hits and one earned run.
Key Players to Watch
Detroit's Colt Keith has been a quiet but effective contributor, going 2-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday's victory. Keith, with a batting average of .251, has accumulated 11 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, and 44 RBIs over 112 games this season. Known for his clutch performances in night games, Keith has tallied four doubles, three triples, and seven homers under the floodlights.
For the Yankees, Aaron Judge continues to be a beacon of consistency and power. Currently on a six-game hitting streak, Judge has posted four multi-hit performances in his recent outings. His remarkable season stats include a .332 average, 29 doubles, one triple, 44 home runs, and 111 RBIs over 122 games. Judge's recent form saw him go 3-for-3 with a home run and two runs scored in Friday's win, followed by a double in four at-bats on Saturday.
Game Odds and Projections
According to the latest odds, Detroit is a slight favorite with a -123 money line. The over/under for the game stands at 7.5 runs, reflecting the potential for a tightly contested battle. The SportsLine Projection Model has forecasted a combined 8.6 runs for this crucial game, suggesting that both teams will need to be at their offensive best.
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where young fans and baseball enthusiasts alike will gather to witness the culmination of this exciting series. As the Yankees aim to consolidate their position atop the AL East and the Tigers look to make a statement, the final game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic promises to be an evening of high drama and compelling baseball.