Sunday evening will bring the culmination of an exciting series at the 2024 MLB Little League Classic as the New York Yankees face off against the Detroit Tigers in the third and deciding game. Tied at 1-1, both teams have everything to play for under the lights at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Yankees dominated the series opener on Friday, securing a 3-0 victory, only for the Tigers to bounce back emphatically with a 4-0 win on Saturday. As we approach the decisive game, the Yankees hold an impressive record of 73-51 and are leading the American League East. Their dominance against AL Central teams this season is notable, boasting a stellar 20-4 record.
The Matchup
On the other side, the Tigers have shown resilience, sitting in fourth place in the AL Central with a 60-64 record. Their performance against AL East teams, with a 10-9 record, demonstrates their ability to compete with top-tier opponents. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, and the latest odds favor Detroit as a -123 favorite, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs.
Starting Pitchers
Detroit’s hopes will rest on the left shoulder of Tarik Skubal, who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Skubal enters the game with a 14-4 record and an impressive 2.53 ERA. Over 149.1 innings in 24 starts, he has allowed 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while striking out 180 batters. Skubal’s recent form is even more remarkable, boasting six wins in his last seven decisions.
Opposing Skubal on the mound for the Yankees is Marcus Stroman. With an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA, Stroman’s season has had its ups and downs. In his 23 starts, he has pitched 121.1 innings, giving up 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks while striking out 87. His last outing saw him pitch five innings, conceding one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. Notably, Stroman's first encounter with Detroit this season resulted in a no-decision in a 2-1 win on May 3, where he allowed three hits and one earned run over 5.1 innings.
Key Performers
Offensively, Detroit's infielder Colt Keith has been a vital contributor. On Saturday, Keith went 2-for-4 with an RBI, adding to his season stats where he is hitting .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBI in 112 games. Keith has particularly shone in night games, collecting four doubles, three triples, and seven homers.
The Yankees' star Aaron Judge is on a tear, riding a six-game hitting streak. Judge has delivered four multi-hit performances in his last six games, highlighting his consistency and clutch play. On Friday, he went 3-for-3 with a homer and two runs scored, followed by a double in four at-bats on Saturday. His overall season stats are nothing short of spectacular, hitting .332 with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBI over 122 games.
The SportsLine Projection Model predicts a high-scoring affair, forecasting a combined 8.6 runs for this crucial game. As both teams prepare to give their best, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to a fiercely contested series.