The New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers are set to collide in the third and deciding game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic on Sunday evening. With the series deadlocked at 1-1, the upcoming clash promises to be a riveting contest as both teams vie for supremacy at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
Game Recap: Series So Far
The Yankees began the series on a triumphant note, securing a 3-0 victory in the opener on Friday. However, the Tigers roared back on Saturday, shutting out the Yankees with a 4-0 win to level the series.
This matchup is not only crucial for the series’ outcome but also holds significant implications for the season standings. The Yankees, currently leading the American League East, boast a commendable 73-51 record. Their dominance against AL Central teams this season is particularly noteworthy, with a stellar 20-4 record. On the other hand, the Tigers are fourth in the AL Central at 60-64, and they have been consistent against AL East teams with a 10-9 record.
Pitching Duel: Skubal vs. Stroman
Detroit's hopes in this deciding game rest on the shoulders of their ace, Tarik Skubal. Skubal has been nothing short of sensational this season, recording a 14-4 record with a 2.53 ERA. In his 24 starts, he has allowed 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while striking out 180 batters over 149.1 innings. His recent form includes six wins in his last seven decisions, making him a formidable opponent for the Yankees.
New York will counter with Marcus Stroman, who has had an up-and-down season. Stroman holds an 8-6 record with a 4.01 ERA. Over 23 starts, he has given up 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks while striking out 87 batters in 121.1 innings. Despite the metrics, Stroman showed resilience in his last outing, pitching five innings and conceding just one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. Notably, his previous encounter with Detroit this season ended in a no-decision during a 2-1 win on May 3, where he pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three hits and one earned run.
Players to Watch
On the offensive side, the Tigers will look to infielder Colt Keith to maintain his form. Keith went 2-for-4 with an RBI on Saturday and is currently batting .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBI over 112 games this season. His performance in night games has been particularly impactful, with four doubles, three triples, and seven homers under the lights.
For the Yankees, all eyes are on the inimitable Aaron Judge, who is riding a six-game hitting streak. Judge has had four multi-hit performances in his last six games, showcasing his reliable bat. His stellar season statistics include a .332 batting average with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBI over 122 games. Judge’s contributions in this series started with a perfect 3-for-3 game that included a homer and two runs scored in Friday's win. He continued his strong performance with a double in four at-bats on Saturday.
Betting Insights
As per the latest odds, the Tigers are a -123 favorite on the money line for this deciding game. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, reflecting the balanced nature of both teams' offensive and defensive capabilities.
The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts a combined total of 8.6 runs, suggesting that fans can expect a reasonably high-scoring affair. Both teams possess the firepower and resilience to tilt the scales in their favor, making this a must-watch game for baseball enthusiasts.
In summary, the stage is set for an enthralling finale to the 2024 MLB Little League Classic. With two potent pitchers taking the mound and key players stepping up in pivotal moments, the battle between the Yankees and Tigers is poised to deliver all the drama and excitement that fans crave. As both teams look to clinch the series win, the showdown at Journey Bank Ballpark is bound to leave a lasting impression on the 2024 season narrative.