As the 2024 MLB Little League Classic reaches its climax, the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers are set for an exciting conclusion on Sunday evening. The series is finely poised at 1-1, with both teams having displayed contrasting styles of play in the first two games. This final encounter promises to be a thrilling showdown, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Series Recap
The Yankees secured an impressive 3-0 victory in the series opener on Friday, showcasing their pitching prowess and defensive solidity. However, the Tigers bounced back with a dominant 4-0 win on Saturday, leveling the series and setting the stage for a high-stakes decider.
The Yankees, leading the American League East with a robust 73-51 record, have excelled against AL Central teams this season, boasting a remarkable 20-4 record. In contrast, the Tigers sit fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record and a balanced 10-9 record against AL East teams.
Pitching Matchup
On the mound for Detroit will be Tarik Skubal, who has been in stellar form this season. Skubal’s 14-4 record with a 2.53 ERA underscores his effectiveness. Over 24 starts, he has pitched 149.1 innings, striking out 180 batters while allowing 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks. Notably, Skubal has six wins in his last seven decisions, making him a formidable opponent for the Yankees.
For New York, Marcus Stroman takes the ball. Stroman's performance has been more inconsistent, reflected in his 8-6 record and 4.01 ERA. Across 23 starts and 121.1 innings pitched, he has given up 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks while striking out 87 batters. In his last outing, Stroman delivered a solid performance, pitching five innings and conceding one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. In his previous encounter with Detroit this season, Stroman pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three hits and one earned run in a no-decision performance that ended in a 2-1 win.
Key Players
Detroit’s infielder Colt Keith will be a player to watch. Keith, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI on Saturday, is batting .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBIs across 112 games this season. He has shown a particular affinity for night games, racking up four doubles, three triples, and seven homers under the lights.
Meanwhile, the Yankees will be relying on the red-hot Aaron Judge. Currently on a six-game hitting streak, Judge has posted four multi-hit performances in his last six games. He went 3-for-3 with a homer and two runs scored in Friday’s win over Texas and doubled in four at-bats on Saturday. Judge's season stats are impressive, with a .332 batting average, 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBIs over 122 games. His offensive firepower will be crucial if the Yankees are to overcome Skubal and the Tigers.
Odds and Projections
As per the latest odds, Detroit is a -123 favorite on the money line. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, reflecting the anticipated tight contest. The SportsLine Projection Model suggests a combined total of 8.6 runs for the game, indicating a potentially high-scoring affair despite the strong starting pitchers on both sides.
This thrilling finale promises to deliver nerve-wracking moments and high drama as both teams vie for victory in the final game of the series. With Skubal and Stroman starting, and Judge and Keith in fine form, fans can expect a competitive and entertaining clash at Journey Bank Ballpark.