The New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers are set to clash in the decisive game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic on Sunday evening. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams will be vying for victory at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
Series Recap
The Yankees opened the series on a high note, securing a 3-0 victory on Friday. However, the Tigers bounced back with a commanding 4-0 win on Saturday, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. The Yankees, currently leading the American League East with a record of 73-51, have been dominant against AL Central teams this season, boasting a 20-4 record. On the other hand, the Tigers sit fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record and have a respectable 10-9 record against AL East teams.
Pitching Matchup
Detroit's hopes will rest on the shoulders of Tarik Skubal, who has been in stellar form this season. Skubal's impressive 14-4 record, accompanied by a 2.53 ERA, demonstrates his reliability on the mound. Over 149.1 innings across 24 starts, he has allowed 109 hits, 42 earned runs, and 29 walks while striking out 180 batters. With six wins in his last seven decisions, Skubal will be keen to add another win to his tally.
On the opposing side, Marcus Stroman will take the mound for the Yankees. Stroman's season has been a mix of highs and lows, reflected in his 8-6 record and 4.01 ERA. Across 121.1 innings in 23 starts, Stroman has conceded 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks, while striking out 87. Notably, in his last outing, Stroman pitched five innings, allowing one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. His previous encounter with the Tigers this season ended in a no-decision during a 2-1 win on May 3, where he pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three hits and one earned run.
Player Performances
Infielder Colt Keith has been a crucial player for the Tigers, going 2-for-4 with an RBI on Saturday. Keith, who is batting .251 this season, has amassed 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBI over 112 games. He has also shown a knack for performing in night games, with four doubles, three triples, and seven homers to his name.
For the Yankees, Aaron Judge continues to shine. Currently on a six-game hitting streak, Judge has delivered four multi-hit performances in his last six games. Highlighting his recent form, Judge went 3-for-3 with a homer and two runs scored in Friday's win over Texas, and doubled in four at-bats on Saturday. His season stats are nothing short of remarkable, boasting a .332 average with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBI over 122 games.
Game Outlook
As Detroit enters the game as a -123 favorite on the money line, the stakes are undeniably high. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, indicating expectations of a tightly contested game. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts 8.6 combined runs for the matchup, suggesting a potential for a closely fought contest.
The clash between Skubal and Stroman will be a key factor in determining the game's outcome. With Skubal's commanding presence and Stroman's experience and resilience, fans can expect an engaging duel on the mound. Additionally, the performances of players like Colt Keith and Aaron Judge could tip the scales in favor of one team or the other.
This decisive game promises to be an exciting spectacle, as both the Yankees and the Tigers look to seal the series with a victory. With both teams exhibiting strong form and individual brilliance, viewers are in for a captivating Sunday evening filled with intense baseball action.