As the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers prepare for the deciding game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic, anticipation is at an all-time high. The series is currently tied 1-1, with both teams having showcased their strengths and weaknesses. Sunday evening's showdown at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania promises to be a compelling finale to an already thrilling contest.
Series Recap
New York took the early lead in the series with a commanding 3-0 victory on Friday, thanks to a stellar performance from Aaron Judge and the rest of the lineup. However, Detroit leveled the playing field with a dominant 4-0 win on Saturday, setting the stage for tonight's decisive game.
Team Standings and Records
The Yankees come into this game holding the top spot in the American League East with an impressive 73-51 record. Their performance against AL Central teams has been particularly strong this season, boasting a 20-4 record. Meanwhile, the Tigers are in fourth place in the AL Central, with a less formidable 60-64 record. However, their 10-9 record against AL East teams indicates that they can be competitive.
Starting Pitchers
Detroit is favored to win, with the latest odds positioning them as -123 favorites. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs for the game. The Tigers will be relying on Tarik Skubal, who has been a standout performer this season with a 14-4 record and a 2.53 ERA. Skubal's stats are impressive, having allowed only 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while striking out 180 batters in 149.1 innings over 24 starts. He's also won six of his last seven decisions, which adds to Detroit's confidence.
On the other side, New York will turn to Marcus Stroman. With an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA, Stroman has had a season marked by ups and downs. He’s conceded 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks while striking out 87 batters over 121.1 innings in 23 starts. Notably, in his last outing, Stroman pitched five innings and allowed just one earned run, helping the Yankees to an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers.
Player Highlights
Infielder Colt Keith of the Tigers went 2-for-4 with an RBI on Saturday and has been a consistent performer this season. Batting .251, Keith has recorded 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBIs in 112 games. Impressively, Keith has shown a knack for performing in night games, hitting four doubles, three triples, and seven homers under the lights.
For the Yankees, Aaron Judge has been showcasing his hitting prowess, currently on a six-game hitting streak. He has had four multi-hit performances in his last six games, including a 3-for-3 showing with a homer and two runs scored in Friday's win over the Texas Rangers. Judge continues to be a vital player for New York, maintaining a .332 batting average with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBIs over 122 games.
Final Projections
The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts 8.6 combined runs for the game, suggesting that both offenses may have their moments. As the clock ticks down to the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, fans of both teams are eager to see who will emerge victorious. Will it be the dominant pitching of Tarik Skubal or the tenacity of Marcus Stroman that rules the day? One thing is certain: this final clash promises excitement and high stakes as the Yankees and Tigers vie for supremacy in this year's Little League Classic.