The Road to Glory
The grand finale of the 2024 College World Series is upon us, with two formidable teams, Tennessee and Texas A&M, vying for the championship. With both teams having never secured a national title, the excitement is palpable as a new champion will be crowned in the coming days.
Tennessee managed to stave off a vigorous comeback attempt by Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon, evening the series 1-1, and setting up a much-anticipated do-or-die game on Monday.
The Journey So Far
The road to the finals has been nothing short of exhilarating. The Aggies jumped to an early lead with a home run from Jace LaViolette, but the Vols rallied back with four unanswered runs, concluding the game at 4-1 in favor of Tennessee. Despite a ninth-inning threat from Texas A&M, Tennessee's defense held firm.
The College World Series began with eight contending teams, but early eliminations saw Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida ousted from the tournament. A notable aspect of this year's finals is the history-making potential for both teams; Tennessee is in the College World Series Finals for the first time since 1951, while Texas A&M has never advanced to this stage before.
Key Players and Performances
Several standout performances have characterized this gripping series. Christian Moore, a projected first-round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft, has been a vital component of Tennessee’s offensive lineup. Moore etched his name into the record books by hitting for the second cycle in College World Series history during Tennessee's opening win against Florida State.
Conversely, the Aggies have made it to the Finals despite a significant setback with their leading hitter, Braden Montgomery, sidelined due to a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament. Montgomery, a potential top-10 draft pick, has not graced the field in the CWS, yet Texas A&M has showcased remarkable depth and tenacity.
Schedule and Upcoming Game
The journey to the title now comes down to one decisive game. Here's the schedule and essential details for the College World Series Finals:
College World Series Finals Schedule
- 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 fubo (try for free).
Highlights from the Series
The 2024 College World Series has been a spectacle of nail-biting finishes and extraordinary individual performances. Earlier in the series, North Carolina edged out Virginia 3-2, while Tennessee narrowly defeated Florida State 12-11. Kentucky triumphed over NC State in a 10-inning thriller with a 5-4 score, and Texas A&M secured a narrow 3-2 win against Florida.
As the series intensified, Florida State eliminated Virginia with a 7-3 victory. Tennessee then showed their dominance by dispatching North Carolina with a solid 6-1 win. By June 19, Florida State defeated North Carolina 9-5, only to be later ousted by Tennessee with a 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The fiercely contested Super Regionals paved the way to the finals. Florida State routed UConn 24-4, while Tennessee achieved a gritty 11-6 victory over Evansville. North Carolina prevailed over West Virginia 8-6, and Virginia bested Kansas State 7-4. Texas A&M showcased their dominance with a 15-9 win over Oregon. Georgia's 11-2 victory over NC State and North Carolina's nail-biting 2-1 win against West Virginia were emblematic of the high-stakes drama. Florida battled through 13 innings to edge out Clemson 11-10, cementing their spot in the finals despite eventual elimination.
The Final Showdown
As we approach the final clash, every aspect of the game—pitching, batting, and maintaining composure—will be crucial. With neither team having tasted national championship glory before, the stakes are unprecedentedly high.
Both Tennessee and Texas A&M have demonstrated remarkable resilience and tenacity throughout the series. On Monday, one team will etch their name into the annals of college baseball history as the new champion. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024 College World Series.