As the sun sets on the picturesque backdrop of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, an electrifying culmination awaits the fans at Journey Bank Ballpark. The New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers are set to clash in the decisive Game 3 of the 2024 MLB Little League Classic on Sunday evening. With the series knotted at 1-1, the stakes couldn't be higher as both teams vie for the upper hand.
Yankees' Dominance and Tigers' Resilience
The Yankees, leading the American League East with a record of 73-51, showcased their prowess in the series opener on Friday, securing a 3-0 victory. However, the Tigers, who find themselves fourth in the AL Central with a 60-64 record, roared back on Saturday with an emphatic 4-0 win, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
Notably, the Yankees have been a force against AL Central teams this season, boasting a 20-4 record. In contrast, the Tigers have managed a 10-9 record against AL East opponents, underscoring the unpredictable nature of this matchup.
The Arms Race: Skubal vs. Stroman
Sunday's showdown will feature a captivating pitching duel between Detroit's Tarik Skubal and New York's Marcus Stroman. Skubal, with an impressive 14-4 record and a stellar 2.53 ERA, has been a linchpin for the Tigers. Over 149.1 innings across 24 starts, he's struck out 180 batters while allowing 109 hits and 42 earned runs. Skubal's recent form is particularly noteworthy, as he's secured six wins in his last seven decisions.
Stroman, on the other hand, carries an 8-6 record and a 4.01 ERA into the contest. Over 121.1 innings in 23 starts, he's conceded 118 hits and 54 earned runs, striking out 87 batters. Stroman's recent outing saw him pitch five innings, giving up one earned run on four hits in an 8-7 victory over the Texas Rangers. In his previous encounter with the Tigers this season, he delivered a solid performance, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing just one earned run.
Key Players to Watch
Detroit's Colt Keith has been a steady contributor this season, batting .251 with 11 doubles, three triples, 11 homers, and 44 RBI in 112 games. His two-hit performance on Saturday, including an RBI, underscores his ability to deliver in clutch moments. Keith's night game stats further highlight his prowess, with four doubles, three triples, and seven homers under the lights.
For the Yankees, Aaron Judge continues to be an offensive juggernaut. The superstar slugger is on a sizzling six-game hitting streak, with four multi-hit performances during this stretch. On Friday, Judge was instrumental in the Yankees' victory, going 3-for-3 with a homer and two runs scored. He followed that up with a double in four at-bats on Saturday. Judge's season stats are nothing short of remarkable: a .332 batting average with 29 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, and 111 RBI over 122 games.
Betting and Projections
The latest odds favor Detroit with a money line of -123, reflecting the confidence in Skubal's dominant form. Meanwhile, the over/under is set at 7.5 runs, a figure that could easily be surpassed given the offensive capabilities on both sides. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts a combined 8.6 runs for this eagerly-anticipated contest.
As the Yankees and Tigers prepare for this decisive battle, fans can expect a thrilling encounter under the lights at Journey Bank Ballpark. With formidable pitchers squaring off and key offensive players in top form, this game promises to be a fitting conclusion to the 2024 MLB Little League Classic.