The third and deciding game of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers promises to be an exciting spectacle this Sunday evening. With the series tied at 1-1, the stakes are high as both teams look to secure the victory at Journey Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
The Yankees, leading the American League East with a record of 73-51, are looking to leverage their dominant performance against AL Central teams this season, where they have a commanding 20-4 record. On the other side, the Tigers, sitting fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record, hold a 10-9 record against AL East teams, hoping to improve their standing.
Pitching Matchup
Tarik Skubal will take the mound for the Tigers. Skubal has been a standout performer this season, boasting a 14-4 record with 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 has been particularly formidable, with six wins in his last seven decisions.
Facing him is Marcus Stroman of the Yankees. Stroman, with an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA, has had a mixed season. In his 121.1 innings pitched across 23 starts, he has conceded 118 hits, 54 earned runs, and 52 walks, while striking out 87 batters. In his last outing, Stroman pitched five innings, conceding one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. His first encounter with Detroit this season ended in a no-decision, where he pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three hits and one earned run in a 2-1 win on May 3.
Key Players to Watch
Infielder Colt Keith has been a bright spot for the Tigers. Keith went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday's game, and he is batting .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBI in 112 games this season. Notably, Keith has excelled in night games, with four doubles, three triples, and seven homers, making him a crucial player under the lights.
For the Yankees, Aaron Judge has been on a tear, riding a six-game hitting streak. Judge has recorded four multi-hit performances in his last six games, showcasing his consistency and power. In Friday's win over Texas, Judge went 3-for-3 with a homer and two runs scored, and he followed it up with a double in four at-bats on Saturday. Judge's season stats are staggering, with a .332 average, 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBI over 122 games.
Betting and Projections
Detroit is currently a -123 favorite on the money line, reflecting their slight edge heading into the game. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, with the SportsLine Projection Model forecasting 8.6 combined runs for the game, suggesting a potentially high-scoring affair.
As both teams prepare for the crucial tie-breaking game, the excitement and anticipation grow. With strong performances from their star players and experienced pitchers taking the mound, this final matchup of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic is set to be a memorable one.