The third and final game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers is set to be a nail-biting decider on Sunday evening. The series, currently tied at one win apiece, promises an intense showdown at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
Series Overview
The Yankees secured a decisive 3-0 victory in the series opener on Friday, showcasing their formidable lineup and defensive prowess. However, the Tigers roared back with a convincing 4-0 win on Saturday, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. With both teams demonstrating strong performances, tonight's game will determine the ultimate victor of this engaging series.
Yankees' Dominance
The Yankees currently lead the American League East with an impressive record of 73-51. This season, they have demonstrated remarkable dominance against AL Central teams, boasting a 20-4 record. Star slugger Aaron Judge has been a standout player, currently on a six-game hitting streak. Judge has accumulated four multi-hit performances in his last six games, including a stellar 3-for-3 outing with a home run and two runs scored in Friday's win. Over the season, Judge's stats have been nothing short of spectacular, hitting .332 with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBIs in 122 games.
Tigers' Performance
On the other side, the Detroit Tigers have shown resilience, currently holding the fourth position in the AL Central with a 60-64 record. Their performance against AL East teams this season stands at 10-9. Infielder Colt Keith has been a key contributor, going 2-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday's game. Throughout the season, Keith has maintained a .251 average, hitting 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and racking up 44 RBIs in 112 games. Notably, Keith has thrived in night games, recording four doubles, three triples, and seven home runs under the lights.
Pitching Matchup
Tonight’s game will feature a riveting pitching matchup. Detroit's Tarik Skubal, who has been in exceptional form, will take the mound with a 14-4 record and a 2.53 ERA. Skubal has been a standout pitcher this season, allowing just 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while striking out an impressive 180 batters over 149.1 innings across 24 starts. His recent performance has been particularly noteworthy, securing six wins in his last seven decisions.
For the Yankees, Marcus Stroman will be the starting pitcher. With an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA, Stroman has had a mixed season. However, he showcased resilience in his last outing, where he pitched five innings, conceding one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. Earlier this season, Stroman had a no-decision encounter with Detroit, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing three hits and one earned run in a 2-1 win on May 3. His performance tonight will be crucial in setting the tone for the Yankees.
Betting Odds and Projections
According to the latest odds, Detroit is a -123 favorite on the money line for tonight's game. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, hinting at a potentially tight contest. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts a combined 8.6 runs for the game, reflecting the expected competitive nature of the matchup.
All eyes will be on Journey Bank Ballpark as these two teams clash for the deciding game. With the series poised at 1-1, both the Yankees and the Tigers have everything to play for, promising a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 MLB Little League Classic.