As the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers gear up for the climactic third game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic, fans are in for a treat. This engaging series, held at the Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has been nothing short of thrilling. With the series tied at 1-1, the Sunday evening showdown promises to be a fitting conclusion to an already intense matchup.
Series Overview
The Yankees clinched a decisive win in the series opener, shutting out the Tigers 3-0 on Friday, demonstrating their defensive strength and strategic prowess. Detroit, refusing to back down, responded with a convincing 4-0 victory on Saturday, showcasing their offensive capabilities and setting the stage for a nail-biting finale.
Current Standings
New York enters this game with a commanding presence in the American League East, sporting an impressive record of 73-51, bolstered by their dominant 20-4 record against AL Central teams this season. In stark contrast, Detroit faces an uphill battle, sitting fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record. However, their balanced 10-9 record against AL East teams hints at their potential to upset the odds.
Pitching Matchup
Detroit turns to their ace, Tarik Skubal, to secure the series. Skubal has been a force on the mound, boasting a sterling 14-4 record with a 2.53 ERA. Over 149.1 innings in 24 starts, he has conceded just 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and issued 29 walks while striking out an impressive 180 batters. His recent form is impeccable, having secured six wins in his last seven decisions.
Countering Skubal, the Yankees will rely on Marcus Stroman, whose season has been a blend of highs and lows. Stroman holds an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA. Throughout 121.1 innings across 23 starts, he has allowed 118 hits and 54 earned runs, with 52 walks and 87 strikeouts. Despite these mixed metrics, Stroman's last outing—where he conceded one earned run across five innings in an 8-7 win over the Texas Rangers—shows his resilience and capability under pressure. His earlier encounter with Detroit this season ended in a no-decision, but he demonstrated control and composure by allowing only one earned run over 5.1 innings.
Key Players to Watch
For the Tigers, infielder Colt Keith has been a consistent performer. On Saturday, Keith went 2-for-4 with an RBI, adding to his season stats of a .251 batting average, 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBI over 112 games. He has proven his mettle in night games with notable contributions of four doubles, three triples, and seven homers.
On the Yankees' side, Aaron Judge is in scintillating form, currently riding a six-game hitting streak. Judge, known for his powerful hitting, has delivered four multi-hit performances in his last six games. His contributions were critical in Friday's win over Texas, where he went 3-for-3 with a homer and two runs scored. Judge also doubled in four at-bats on Saturday. His season stats are a testament to his prowess, boasting a .332 average with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBI over 122 games.
Forecast and Betting Odds
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, and Detroit enters the game as a -123 favorite on the money line according to the latest odds. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, reflecting the potential for a relatively high-scoring affair. The SportsLine Projection Model predicts 8.6 combined runs for the game, indicating a closely contested battle.
As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Journey Bank Ballpark. The final game in this Little League Classic series is set to be a memorable encounter, with both teams poised to give their all in pursuit of victory.