The stage is set for an exciting finale in the 2024 MLB Little League Classic as the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers face off in the third and deciding game on Sunday evening. The series, tied at 1-1, promises a gripping conclusion, punctuating a weekend of intense baseball action at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Yankees captured the series opener with a dominant 3-0 victory on Friday, showcasing both their offensive and defensive prowess. However, the Tigers bounced back with a commanding 4-0 win on Saturday, leveling the series and setting the stage for a winner-take-all contest.
Pitching Matchup: Skubal vs. Stroman
On the mound for Detroit will be Tarik Skubal, who boasts an impressive 14-4 record with a 2.53 ERA. Skubal has been a force all season, allowing just 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while striking out 180 batters in 149.1 innings over 24 starts. His recent form is notable, having secured six wins in his last seven decisions. Skubal’s ability to stifle batters could be crucial in securing a victory for the Tigers.
Countering for the Yankees is Marcus Stroman, who enters with an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA. Stroman has pitched 121.1 innings over 23 starts, giving up 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks while striking out 87. His last outing was a solid five-inning performance where he conceded one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. Notably, Stroman's previous encounter with Detroit ended in a no-decision in a tight 2-1 win on May 3, where he pitched 5.1 innings and allowed only one earned run. His consistency and resilience will be pivotal as the Yankees look to clinch the series.
Key Players to Watch
For Detroit, infielder Colt Keith is a player to watch. Keith went 2-for-4 with an RBI on Saturday and is hitting .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBI over 112 games this season. Under the lights, Keith has demonstrated his capability with four doubles, three triples, and seven homers in night games.
New York's Aaron Judge is currently on a six-game hitting streak, a testament to his offensive consistency. Judge’s impressive stats include four multi-hit games in his last six outings. On Friday, he delivered an outstanding performance, going 3-for-3 with a homer and two runs scored. Judge continued to deliver on Saturday, doubling in four at-bats. Over the season, Judge has been a powerhouse, batting .332 with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBI in 122 games.
Team Performance and Odds
Entering this matchup, the Yankees lead the American League East with a record of 73-51, and they have been dominant against AL Central teams with a 20-4 record this season. On the other hand, the Tigers are fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record and hold a slightly positive record of 10-9 against AL East teams.
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. According to the latest odds, Detroit is a -123 favorite on the money line, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. The Tigers' slight edge in the odds reflects the pitching strength of Skubal and their recent victory momentum.
Expectations and Projections
The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts 8.6 combined runs for the game, suggesting a competitive and high-energy finale. Both teams have shown their strengths and vulnerabilities throughout the series, and tonight’s game promises to be a fitting conclusion to this dramatic showdown.
With seasoned pitchers on the mound and key players poised to make an impact, the third game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic is set to be an unforgettable clash. Fans can anticipate a thrilling evening of baseball as the Yankees and Tigers vie for victory in Williamsport.