The highly anticipated third and deciding game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers is set for Sunday evening, promising a nail-biting conclusion to a thrilling series. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams will be vying for supremacy at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
The New York Yankees, leading the American League East with a commanding 73-51 record, took the series opener with a 3-0 victory on Friday. However, the Detroit Tigers, who are fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record, bounced back with a solid 4-0 win on Saturday to keep their hopes alive.
Yankees Riding High
The Yankees have been dominant against AL Central teams this season, boasting an impressive 20-4 record. Much of their success can be attributed to Aaron Judge, who is currently on a six-game hitting streak. Judge has been phenomenal, posting four multi-hit performances in his last six games. His stellar stats this season include a batting average of .332, 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBIs over 122 games. In Friday's win over Texas, Judge went 3-for-3 with a homer and two runs scored, and he continued his form by doubling in four at-bats on Saturday.
Starting on the mound for the Yankees will be Marcus Stroman. With an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA, Stroman has had a solid season. 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 innings, conceding one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. His first encounter with Detroit this season ended in a no-decision, where he pitched 5.1 innings and allowed three hits and one earned run in a 2-1 win on May 3.
Detroit's Determination
On the opposite side, the Tigers stand as slight favorites for the Sunday clash, with the latest odds listing Detroit as a -123 favorite on the money line. Their standout player infielder Colt Keith went 2-for-4 with an RBI on Saturday, improving his season stats to a batting average of .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBIs over 112 games. Keith has particularly excelled in night games, accumulating four doubles, three triples, and seven homers this year.
Detroit's hopes will rest on their ace, Tarik Skubal, who will take the mound looking to extend his impressive season. Skubal boasts a 14-4 record with a sparkling 2.53 ERA. Over 149.1 innings across 24 starts, he has allowed just 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks, while striking out a remarkable 180 batters. Skubal has been in stellar form recently, securing six wins in his last seven decisions.
What's at Stake
This game is more than just a regular-season matchup; it's a concluding chapter of a series that has kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Yankees' superior record against AL Central teams and their current first-place standing in the American League East make them formidable opponents. However, the Tigers’ resilience and recent win, coupled with Skubal's strength on the mound, makes them a worthy adversary.
The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts an exciting game with a combined 8.6 runs, and the over/under is set at 7.5 runs. As fans gear up for the 7:10 p.m. ET showdown at Journey Bank Ballpark, the anticipation is palpable. The Yankees and Tigers have each demonstrated they are capable of seizing moments of brilliance, setting the stage for a captivating clash.
As the season progresses, games like these not only affect current standings but also build the momentum and confidence essential for the playoffs. With star players like Aaron Judge and Marcus Stroman for the Yankees, and Tarik Skubal and Colt Keith for the Tigers, Sunday night's game promises to be packed with phenomenal performances and unforgettable moments. Tune in for what could undoubtedly be a highlight in the 2024 MLB season.