As the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers gear up for the decisive third game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic, excitement abounds. With the series balanced at 1-1, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown this Sunday evening at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Series Overview
Both teams have showcased their strengths in this tightly contested series. The New York Yankees opened with a dominant 3-0 win on Friday, only for the Detroit Tigers to respond emphatically with a 4-0 victory on Saturday. Now, all eyes are on the final game to see who will clinch the series.
Entering the game, the Yankees are leading the American League East with a stellar 73-51 record. Their performance against AL Central teams has been particularly impressive, boasting a 20-4 record. On the other hand, the Tigers find themselves fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record. However, they hold their own against AL East teams, with a 10-9 record.
Pitching Matchups
Tarik Skubal will take the mound for Detroit, bringing a formidable 14-4 record and a 2.53 ERA. Skubal has been a powerhouse this season, allowing 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while striking out a remarkable 180 batters in 149.1 innings across 24 starts. His recent form is equally impressive, with six wins in his last seven decisions.
New York counters with Marcus Stroman, who holds an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA. Over his 23 starts this season, Stroman has given up 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks, while striking out 87 batters over 121.1 innings. In his last outing, Stroman pitched five innings, conceding one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. His previous encounter with Detroit this season ended in a no-decision in a 2-1 win on May 3, where he pitched 5.1 innings and allowed three hits and one earned run.
Batting Highlights
On the offensive side, Detroit's infielder Colt Keith has been a standout. Keith went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday’s game and is batting .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBI across 112 games this season. Notably, Keith has shown a penchant for night games, racking up four doubles, three triples, and seven homers under the lights.
Aaron Judge continues to be a cornerstone for the Yankees, currently riding a six-game hitting streak. Judge has recorded four multi-hit performances in his last six games, including a formidable 3-for-3 outing with a homer and two runs scored in Friday's win over Texas. On Saturday, he doubled in four at-bats. Over the season, Judge is batting .332 with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBI through 122 games.
Odds and Predictions
As we approach the game, the latest odds place Detroit as a -123 favorite on the money line. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, indicating that a high-scoring game could be on the horizon. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts a combined 8.6 runs for this final clash, adding further intrigue to an already captivating series.
The Final Countdown
With both teams eager to secure the series win, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric as the first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. The Yankees and Tigers will leave it all on the field, with strategic pitching duels and offensive prowess playing pivotal roles in the outcome.
The mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans promises an evening of high-stakes baseball, where every hit and pitch could shape the destiny of this fiercely contested series. Fans can look forward to an exhilarating conclusion to the 2024 MLB Little League Classic.