The Road to Glory
As we approach the end of the 2024 College World Series, only two teams remain, and a new champion will soon be crowned in college baseball.
Tennessee managed to fend off a spirited comeback attempt by Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon to tie the series at 1-1, setting the stage for a decisive Game 3 on Monday.
The Journey So Far
The Aggies took an early lead thanks to a home run by Jace LaViolette, but the Volunteers responded by scoring four unanswered runs to secure a 4-1 victory in Game 2. The score held even as Texas A&M threatened in the ninth inning.
The College World Series began last week with eight teams: Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. However, the first six teams have been eliminated, leaving Tennessee and Texas A&M to battle it out for the title.
Neither Tennessee nor Texas A&M has ever won a national championship, adding an extra layer of excitement to this final matchup. Tennessee is making its first College World Series Finals appearance since 1951, while Texas A&M is in the Finals for the first time ever.
Key Players and Performances
Christian Moore, projected to be a first-round pick in next month's MLB Draft, has been a significant contributor to Tennessee's offense all season. Moore notably hit for the second cycle in College World Series history in Tennessee's opening win over Florida State.
Conversely, Texas A&M has reached the Finals 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.
The Schedule Ahead
As the series comes to a close, the question on everyone's mind is: Who will win it all this year?
Here is the remaining schedule and everything else you need to know about the College World Series Finals:
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)
Each game is available for streaming on fubo (try for free).
Highlights from the Series
The series has been filled with thrilling finishes and extraordinary performances. For instance, on Friday, June 14, North Carolina narrowly defeated Virginia 3-2, while Tennessee edged out Florida State 12-11. The next day, Kentucky clinched a victory over NC State with a score of 5-4 after ten tense innings, and Texas A&M secured a close 3-2 win against Florida.
As the series progressed, the intensity only increased. On Sunday, June 16, Florida State eliminated Virginia with a 7-3 victory, followed by Tennessee's 6-1 win over North Carolina. By Wednesday, June 19, the elimination games brought more drama: Florida State ousted North Carolina with a 9-5 win, and Tennessee sent Florida State home with a 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The road to the College World Series Finals was paved with compelling matches during the Super Regionals. Highlights include Florida State's dominant 24-4 win over UConn and Tennessee's gritty 11-6 victory against Evansville. North Carolina overcame West Virginia 8-6, while Virginia triumphed over Kansas State with a 7-4 score. Texas A&M delivered a strong performance with a 15-9 victory over Oregon, showcasing their determination every step of the way.
The Super Regionals also featured 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 victory against West Virginia. Florida needed 13 innings to edge out Clemson 11-10, securing their spot in the finals despite being eliminated later.
The Final Showdown
As we head into the final game, every aspect will play a crucial role, from pitching and batting to maintaining composure under intense pressure. With neither team having won a national championship before, the stakes are immensely high.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding this final showdown are palpable. Both Tennessee and Texas A&M have displayed remarkable resilience and tenacity to reach this point. 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.