The stage is set for the third and deciding game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers. The series, currently tied at 1-1, culminates on Sunday evening with a highly anticipated showdown scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
After a commanding 3-0 victory in the opener on Friday, the Yankees saw the Tigers bounce back with a 4-0 win on Saturday, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. The clash will feature starting pitchers Tarik Skubal for Detroit and Marcus Stroman for New York, each looking to lead their team to victory.
Team Performances and Season Records
The Yankees are having a stellar season, currently leading the American League East with a record of 73-51. They have been particularly dominant against AL Central teams, boasting a formidable 20-4 record this season. Meanwhile, the Tigers find themselves fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record, managing a 10-9 record against AL East teams.
Starting Pitchers
Detroit's Tarik Skubal will be on the mound, carrying an impressive 14-4 record with a 2.53 ERA. In 24 starts this season, Skubal has allowed 109 hits and 42 earned runs over 149.1 innings. He also boasts 180 strikeouts while walking only 29 batters. Skubal has been in exceptional form recently, with six wins in his last seven decisions.
On the other side, Marcus Stroman will start for the Yankees. Stroman enters the game with an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA. Over 121.1 innings in 23 starts, he has allowed 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks while striking out 87 batters. In his last outing, Stroman pitched five solid innings, conceding one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. His previous encounter with the Tigers this season ended in a no-decision, where he pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three hits and one earned run in a narrow 2-1 win.
Key Players to Watch
Detroit’s infielder Colt Keith has been consistent, going 2-for-4 with an RBI on Saturday. Keith is hitting .251 this season with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBIs in 112 games. He has demonstrated power in night games, accumulating four doubles, three triples, and seven home runs.
For the Yankees, Aaron Judge remains a central figure, currently on a six-game hitting streak. Judge has had four multi-hit performances in his last six games. Highlighting his recent form, Judge went 3-for-3 with a home run and two runs scored in Friday's win over Texas, followed by doubling in four at-bats on Saturday. His season stats are equally impressive, batting .332 with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBIs over 122 games.
Betting Insights
Bookmakers have Detroit as a slight favorite with a money line of -123. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts a combined total of 8.6 runs, suggesting a close contest between the two evenly matched teams.
Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how each starting pitcher performs under pressure, as well as the impact of key hitters like Colt Keith and Aaron Judge. With both teams having something to prove and a series on the line, all eyes will be on Journey Bank Ballpark come Sunday evening.
As the Little League Classic encapsulates the spirit of baseball in its purest form, the final game promises a captivating spectacle for enthusiasts and aspiring players alike. Whichever way it swings, this encounter will be remembered as a significant chapter in the 2024 MLB season.