The stage is set for what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the 2024 MLB Little League Classic as the New York Yankees clash with the Detroit Tigers on Sunday evening. With the series tied at one game apiece, both squads have everything to play for at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Series Recap
The New York Yankees started the series with a dominant 3-0 victory on Friday, but the Detroit Tigers responded emphatically with a 4-0 win on Saturday. This setup a tantalizing deciding game for Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
Team Standings and Records
The Yankees enter the game as the leaders of the American League East, boasting an impressive 73-51 season record. Their success against AL Central teams this season is remarkable, standing at 20-4.
On the other hand, the Tigers are fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record. While their season has been more of a rollercoaster, they hold a decent 10-9 record against AL East teams, showing that they can compete against top-tier opponents.
Pitching Matchup
Detroit's chances of clinching the series lie in the hands of starting pitcher Tarik Skubal. The left-hander has been in scintillating form this season with a striking 14-4 record and a 2.53 ERA. Skubal has conceded 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while racking up 180 strikeouts in 149.1 innings across 24 starts. Notably, Skubal has been almost unstoppable recently, winning six of his last seven decisions.
For the Yankees, Marcus Stroman takes to the mound. Stroman's 8-6 record accompanied by a 4.01 ERA might not be as stellar as Skubal's, but he has shown his capability to deliver when it matters. Over 121.1 innings in 23 starts, Stroman has given up 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks, alongside 87 punchouts. In his last outing against the Texas Rangers, Stroman pitched five innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory. Furthermore, Stroman's previous face-off with the Tigers resulted in a no-decision but was part of a 2-1 win for the Yankees on May 3.
Batter's Box Highlights
The Tigers' lineup will look toward infielder Colt Keith to make an impact. Keith went 2-for-4 with an RBI during Saturday's game, and he is batting .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBI in 112 games this season. Under the night sky, Keith has shone brighter, recording four doubles, three triples, and seven homers.
Aaron Judge of the Yankees is on a hot streak himself, sporting a six-game hitting streak. Judge has delivered four multi-hit performances in those six games, demonstrating his consistency and reliability. Friday's win over Texas showcased Judge's abilities as he went 3-for-3 with a homer and two runs, and he doubled in four at-bats on Saturday. Judge’s season stats of .332 with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBI over 122 games underpin his elite status in the league.
Odds and Projections
According to the latest odds, Detroit is a -123 favorite for the deciding game. The over/under for the game is set at 7.5 runs, indicating the expectation of a closely contested matchup. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts a total of 8.6 combined runs, suggesting fans might see some fireworks as both teams vie for the series win.
Final Thoughts
As Sunday night approaches, baseball enthusiasts are brimming with anticipation for what could be an unforgettable game. Both the Yankees and the Tigers have showcased their mettle throughout the season and this series. With ace pitchers on the mound and key hitters in form, the game promises a thrilling spectacle, perfectly capping off the 2024 MLB Little League Classic.