The Road to Glory
As we approach the climax of the 2024 College World Series, two teams remain, and in just a few days, a new college baseball champion will emerge. Tennessee managed to fend off a spirited comeback from Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon, tying the series at 1-1 and setting the stage for a decisive Game 3 on Monday.
The Journey So Far
In the second game of the series, the Aggies' hopes were initially lifted by Jace LaViolette's early home run. However, the Vols answered back with four consecutive runs, ultimately securing a 4-1 victory. Despite a tense ninth inning where Texas A&M threatened to rally, Tennessee held strong.
The College World Series began last week with eight hopeful teams—Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. As the tournament progressed, six teams fell by the wayside, leaving Tennessee and Texas A&M to vie for the championship. Adding to the excitement, neither team has previously claimed a national title. For Tennessee, this marks their first finals appearance since 1951, while for Texas A&M, it's their inaugural trip to the Finals.
Key Players and Performances
One player who has significantly impacted Tennessee's success is Christian Moore, a projected first-round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft. Moore made history by hitting for the cycle in Tennessee's opening win over Florida State, becoming only the second player to achieve this feat in College World Series history.
On the other hand, Texas A&M's journey to the finals has been remarkable, even without their top hitter, Braden Montgomery. Despite being a potential top-10 draft pick, Montgomery has been sidelined with a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament. Nevertheless, the Aggies have shown impressive depth and resilience to reach this stage.
The Schedule Ahead
The question on everyone's mind is: who will win it all this year? The deciding showdown will take place on Monday, June 24, at 7 p.m. (ESPN), with each game available for streaming on fubo (try for free).
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)
Highlights from the Series
The series has delivered its share of thrilling moments, with intense finishes and standout performances. On Friday, June 14, North Carolina narrowly edged out Virginia 3-2, while Tennessee eked out a high-scoring 12-11 victory against Florida State. The following day, Kentucky secured a 5-4 win over NC State after ten innings of fierce play, and Texas A&M defeated Florida 3-2 in another close contest.
As the series continued, the drama only intensified. On Sunday, June 16, Florida State ousted Virginia with a 7-3 win, and Tennessee followed with a solid 6-1 victory over North Carolina. By Wednesday, June 19, several teams faced elimination battles. Florida State eliminated North Carolina with a 9-5 win, but Tennessee ended Florida State's run with a 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The path to the College World Series Finals was marked by some unforgettable matchups during the Super Regionals. Florida State showcased their dominance with a resounding 24-4 win over UConn, while Tennessee battled to an 11-6 victory against Evansville. North Carolina overcame West Virginia 8-6, and Virginia dispatched Kansas State 7-4.
Texas A&M also flexed their muscles with a 15-9 victory over Oregon, proving their strength at every turn. The Super Regionals were filled with high-stakes moments and comeback stories, exemplified by Georgia's 11-2 win over NC State and North Carolina's nail-biting 2-1 triumph against West Virginia. In a dramatic 13-inning game, Florida edged out Clemson 11-10, securing their spot in the finals before their eventual elimination.
The Final Showdown
As we gear up for the final game, every aspect of play—from pitching to batting to maintaining composure under pressure—will be crucial. With neither team having previously won a national championship, the stakes are extraordinarily high.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding this final showdown are palpable. Both Tennessee and Texas A&M have demonstrated remarkable resilience and tenacity to reach this point, and come Monday, 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.