The Road to Glory
We're down to the final two teams in the 2024 College World Series, and in the coming days, a new college baseball champion will be crowned. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion as Tennessee and Texas A&M go head-to-head, both vying for their first national championship title.
Tennessee staved off a wild comeback attempt by Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon to tie the series 1-1, leading to a decisive game on Monday that will determine the champion.
The Journey So Far
The Aggies jumped out early on Sunday with a home run from Jace LaViolette, but the Volunteers answered back with four uncontested runs, ultimately securing a 4-1 victory. This score held despite Texas A&M threatening in the ninth inning, showcasing Tennessee's resilience under pressure.
The journey to the finals has been arduous for both teams. The College World Series began with eight contenders, but powerhouses like Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida were all knocked out, leaving Tennessee and Texas A&M to battle it out for ultimate glory.
This Finals matchup is especially exciting as neither team has ever won a national championship. Tennessee last reached the College World Series Finals in 1951, while Texas A&M is making its first-ever appearance in the Finals. The stakes have never been higher for both programs.
Key Players and Performances
Christian Moore has consistently been a cornerstone of Tennessee's offense throughout the season and is projected as a first-round pick in next month's MLB Draft. Moore's exceptional performance was highlighted by hitting for the second cycle in College World Series history during the Vols' opening win over Florida State.
In contrast, Texas A&M has shown remarkable tenacity despite the absence of their top hitter, Braden Montgomery. Montgomery, a potential top-10 draft pick, has been sidelined due to a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament. Nevertheless, the Aggies have demonstrated depth and determination, navigating their way into the Finals.
The Schedule Ahead
The question remains: who will clinch the national title this year? Below is the schedule for the College World Series Finals:
- 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)
All games are available for streaming on fubo (try for free).
Highlights from the Series
The series has not been short of heart-stopping moments and extraordinary performances. Highlights include North Carolina's narrow 3-2 victory over Virginia and Tennessee's exhilarating 12-11 win against Florida State on Friday, June 14.
The tension continued into Saturday, as Kentucky edged past NC State 5-4 after ten intense innings, and Texas A&M secured a tight 3-2 win against Florida. The stakes increased as 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 midweek, several teams faced elimination. Florida State was sent home by North Carolina with a 9-5 win, and Tennessee ousted Florida State, solidifying their place in the next rounds with a 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The road to the College World Series Finals has been nothing short of dramatic, marked by compelling matchups during the Super Regionals. Noteworthy performances include Florida State’s dominant 24-4 win over UConn and Tennessee's gritty 11-6 victory against Evansville.
Other thrilling games featured North Carolina overcoming West Virginia 8-6 and Virginia besting Kansas State 7-4. Meanwhile, Texas A&M showcased their prowess with a 15-9 victory over Oregon.
The Super Regionals were filled with do-or-die moments and comeback stories, exemplified by Georgia’s 11-2 win over NC State and North Carolina's nail-biting 2-1 win against West Virginia. Florida's marathon 13-inning battle against Clemson ended with an 11-10 win, although they were ultimately eliminated later on.
The Final Showdown
As we approach the final game, every detail could play a critical role in determining the winner, from pitching and batting to maintaining composure under the immense pressure of a championship game. With both teams on the cusp of their first national title, the atmosphere is electric, and the anticipation is palpable.
Tennessee and Texas A&M have shown remarkable resilience and tenacity to reach this point. Come Monday night, one will emerge as the new champion of college baseball. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024 College World Series.