The Road to Glory: College World Series 2024
We are down to the final two teams in the 2024 College World Series, and a new college baseball champion will soon be crowned. Tennessee and Texas A&M have fought valiantly to reach this moment, and come Monday, one will seize the ultimate honor.
The Journey So Far
In a nail-biting showdown, Tennessee fended off a spirited comeback attempt by Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon to tie the series 1-1. This dramatic victory sets the stage for a do-or-die showdown on Monday.
It was an exciting game as the Aggies took an early lead with a Jace LaViolette home run. However, Tennessee demonstrated resilience, scoring four uncontested runs to secure a 4-1 victory. Even as Texas A&M threatened in the ninth inning, the Vols held their ground.
The journey to this point has been intense. The College World Series began last week with eight teams, but Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida have all been eliminated. Neither Tennessee nor Texas A&M has ever won a national championship, which adds an extra layer of excitement to this finale.
This marks Tennessee's first appearance in the College World Series Finals since 1951, while Texas A&M is making its debut in the Finals.
Key Players and Performances
Several standout players have been instrumental in their teams' success. Christian Moore has been a key player for Tennessee's offense all year and is projected as a first-round pick in next month's MLB Draft. Moore made history by hitting for the second cycle in College World Series history during the Vols' opening win against Florida State.
On the other hand, Texas A&M has reached the Finals despite the absence of their top hitter, Braden Montgomery. Montgomery, a potential top-10 draft pick, has been sidelined due to a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament.
The Schedule Ahead
With the championship on the line, both teams are ready to give it their all. Here's the schedule for the College World Series Finals:
Saturday, June 22 - Finals, Game 1: Texas A&M 9, Tennessee 5
Sunday, June 23 - Finals, Game 2: Tennessee 4, Texas A&M 1
Monday, June 24 - Finals, Game 3: Texas A&M vs. Tennessee, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Each game is available for streaming on fuboTV (try for free).
Highlights from the Series
The series has been filled with thrilling finishes and extraordinary performances. For instance, North Carolina edged out Virginia 3-2 on Friday, June 14, while Tennessee narrowly defeated Florida State 12-11. The following day, Kentucky managed to clinch a victory over NC State with a score of 5-4 after ten intense innings, and Texas A&M secured a narrow 3-2 win against Florida.
As the series progressed, the intensity ramped up. Florida State eliminated Virginia with a 7-3 victory on Sunday, June 16, followed by Tennessee’s solid 6-1 win against North Carolina. By Wednesday, June 19, elimination loomed for several teams. Florida State ousted North Carolina with a 9-5 win, only to be eliminated themselves by Tennessee, who secured a 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The road to the College World Series Finals was paved with riveting matches during the Super Regionals. Highlights include Florida State’s dominant 24-4 victory over UConn and Tennessee’s gritty 11-6 win against Evansville. North Carolina defeated West Virginia 8-6, while Virginia overcame Kansas State with a 7-4 score. Texas A&M had a strong showing with a 15-9 victory over Oregon, proving their mettle every step of the way.
The Super Regionals presented do-or-die moments and epic comeback stories. Georgia defeated NC State 11-2, and North Carolina edged out West Virginia 2-1. Florida needed 13 innings to defeat Clemson 11-10, cementing their finals spot despite their ultimate elimination later.
The Final Showdown
As we head into the final game, every factor will play a crucial role, from pitching and batting to maintaining composure under intense pressure. With neither team having won a national championship before, the stakes are exceedingly high.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding this final showdown are palpable. Both Tennessee and Texas A&M have shown remarkable resilience and tenacity to reach this far. Come Monday, only one will emerge as the new champion of college baseball.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024 College World Series.