The Road to Glory
We’re now down to two formidable teams in the 2024 College World Series. The excitement is palpable as a new champion in college baseball will be crowned in the coming days.
Tennessee managed to stave off a valiant comeback attempt by Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon, tying the series 1-1 and setting the stage for an all-deciding game on Monday.
The Journey So Far
The Aggies drew first blood with a Jace LaViolette home run, but Tennessee responded by scoring four unanswered runs, securing a 4-1 victory. This score held firm even as Texas A&M mounted a serious threat in the ninth inning.
The College World Series journey began last week with eight teams, but Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida have all been eliminated.
Adding an extra layer of excitement to this finale is the fact that neither Tennessee nor Texas A&M has ever won a national championship. Tennessee is making its first appearance in the College World Series Finals since 1951, while Texas A&M is enjoying its first-ever Finals appearance.
Key Players and Performances
One of the standout players for Tennessee has been Christian Moore. Projected as a first-round pick in next month's MLB Draft, Moore has been an integral part of Tennessee’s offensive prowess all season. He made headlines by hitting for the second cycle in College World Series history during the Vols' CWS-opening win against Florida State.
On the other hand, Texas A&M’s journey to the Finals has been remarkable, especially considering they’ve been without their top hitter. Braden Montgomery, who is also a potential top-10 draft pick, has not played in the CWS due to a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament.
The Schedule Ahead
So, who will win it all this year? Here's the schedule and everything you need to know about 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 can be streamed live on fubo (free trials available).
Highlights from the Series
Throughout the series, fans have been treated to some nail-biting finishes and extraordinary performances. On Friday, June 14, North Carolina edged out Virginia 3-2, while Tennessee narrowly defeated Florida State 12-11.
The following day, Kentucky emerged victorious over NC State with a 5-4 score after ten thrilling innings. Texas A&M also secured a narrow 3-2 win against Florida.
As the series progressed, the intensity continued to ramp up. Florida State eliminated Virginia with a 7-3 victory on Sunday, June 16, followed by Tennessee’s solid 6-1 win over North Carolina.
By Wednesday, June 19, several teams faced elimination. Florida State beat North Carolina 9-5, but Tennessee ultimately sent Florida State home with a conclusive 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The road to the College World Series Finals was lined with captivating matches during the Super Regionals:
- Florida State’s dominant 24-4 win over UConn.
- Tennessee’s gritty 11-6 victory against Evansville.
- North Carolina knocking out West Virginia 8-6.
- Virginia’s triumph over Kansas State with a 7-4 score.
- Texas A&M's strong performance with a 15-9 win over Oregon.
The Super Regionals featured many do-or-die moments and comeback stories. Georgia prevailed over NC State with an 11-2 win, while North Carolina clinched a nail-biting 2-1 victory against West Virginia. Florida needed 13 intense innings to edge out Clemson 11-10, securing their spot in Omaha, despite their eventual elimination.
The Final Showdown
As we approach the decisive game, every factor will be crucial: pitching, batting, and maintaining composure under intense pressure. With neither team having previously won a national championship, the stakes could not be higher.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding this final showdown are at fever pitch. Both Tennessee and Texas A&M have demonstrated remarkable resilience and tenacity to reach this point. Come Monday night, one team will seize the moment and emerge as the new champion of college baseball.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024 College World Series.