The New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers are set to face off in what promises to be a thrilling finale to the 2024 MLB Little League Classic. The deciding game of the three-game series will take place on Sunday evening, with the series currently tied at 1-1. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The series opener saw the Yankees take a commanding 3-0 victory on Friday, only for the Tigers to hit back with a 4-0 shutout on Saturday. It's all to play for as both teams look to secure a series win and build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Yankees' Solid Season
The Yankees are enjoying a strong season and currently lead the American League East with an impressive 73-51 record. Against AL Central teams, they boast an extraordinary 20-4 record this year. Aaron Judge has been a significant contributor to the Yankees' success, maintaining a six-game hitting streak with four multi-hit performances in his last six games. Judge's season stats have reached an impressive .332 average with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBIs over 122 games.
Adding to the Yankees' confidence is Marcus Stroman, who will take the mound on Sunday. Stroman has compiled an 8-6 record with a 4.01 ERA over 23 starts this season. His last outing was a five-inning effort in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers, where he conceded just one earned run on four hits. Stroman's previous encounter with the Tigers on May 3 ended in a no-decision, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing only one earned run on three hits.
Challenges for the Tigers
On the other side, the Tigers have had a more challenging season, sitting fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record. Despite this, they have a respectable 10-9 record against AL East teams and will be looking to capitalize on this positive trend as they face the Yankees in what could be a pivotal game.
Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal will be a significant weapon for the Tigers. Skubal has been in outstanding form this season, posting a 14-4 record with a 2.53 ERA. In his 24 starts, he has allowed 109 hits and 42 earned runs, striking out 180 batters in 149.1 innings. Skubal has proven to be a reliable arm for Detroit, securing six wins in his last seven decisions.
Key Performers
Detroit’s offense will look to infielder Colt Keith, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday's victory. Keith has showcased his ability to come through in night games, with four doubles, three triples, and seven homers this year. His season stats of .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBIs in 112 games highlight his consistency at the plate.
The Yankees will rely heavily on Aaron Judge, who has been in phenomenal form. Judge went 3-for-3 with a homer and two runs scored in Friday's win and doubled in four at-bats on Saturday. His hitting streak and recent performances will be crucial as the Yankees aim to clinch the series.
Odds and Predictions
Detroit enters the game as a -123 favorite on the money line, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts a combined 8.6 runs for Sunday’s game, indicating a tightly contested matchup. Both teams have demonstrated their strengths over the first two games, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series.
As both teams prepare for the pivotal game, the Yankees will look to leverage their superior record and power hitting, while the Tigers will depend on Skubal’s dominant pitching and consistent contributions from players like Colt Keith. Baseball fans can expect an intense battle as these two historic franchises vie for bragging rights in Williamsport.