The Road to Glory
The 2024 College World Series has reached its climax, with two teams standing on the edge of glory. Tennessee and Texas A&M are set for a titanic battle, with a new college baseball champion to be crowned in the coming days.
Tennessee managed to stave off a spirited comeback attempt by Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon, leveling the series at 1-1 and setting the stage for a winner-takes-all game on Monday.
The Journey So Far
The Aggies took an early lead with a home run from Jace LaViolette, but the Volunteers responded with four unanswered runs, securing a 4-1 victory. This scoreline held firm even as Texas A&M mounted a threat in the ninth inning.
The College World Series began last week with eight teams vying for the title. However, Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida have since been eliminated.
Adding to the drama of this year's finals, neither Tennessee nor Texas A&M has ever won a national championship. This fact injects an extra layer of excitement and anticipation into Monday's decisive game.
Tennessee is making its first appearance in the College World Series Finals since 1951, while Texas A&M is experiencing the Finals for the first time in its history.
Key Players and Performances
Christian Moore, projected to be a first-round pick in next month's MLB Draft, has been a pivotal figure in Tennessee's offense throughout the year. Moore etched his name into the history books by hitting the second cycle in College World Series history during the Vols' opening win against Florida State.
Conversely, Texas A&M's journey to the Finals has been remarkable, especially considering they've been without their top hitter. Braden Montgomery, a potential top-10 draft pick, has been sidelined with a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament.
The Schedule Ahead
As we look forward to the final showdown, anticipation is at an all-time high. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming schedule:
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 will also be available for streaming on fubo (try for free).
Highlights from the Series
The series has been replete with nail-biting finishes and outstanding performances.
On Friday, June 14, North Carolina emerged victorious over Virginia with a 3-2 win, while Tennessee edged out Florida State in a 12-11 thriller. The excitement didn't stop there. The next day, Kentucky secured a 5-4 win over NC State after ten innings of play, and Texas A&M narrowly defeated Florida 3-2.
As the series moved forward, the intensity only increased. Florida State ousted Virginia with a 7-3 win on Sunday, June 16, followed by a commanding 6-1 victory for Tennessee over North Carolina.
By Wednesday, June 19, elimination matches were the order of the day. Florida State dismissed North Carolina with a 9-5 result, and Tennessee subsequently sent Florida State packing with a 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The path to the College World Series Finals was set through the electrifying matches of the Super Regionals. Florida State delivered an impressive 24-4 rout of UConn, while Tennessee scrapped out a gritty 11-6 win against Evansville.
Other notable results included North Carolina's 8-6 triumph over West Virginia and Virginia's 7-4 win over Kansas State. Texas A&M showcased their prowess with a 15-9 victory over Oregon.
Comeback stories were abundant during the Super Regionals. Georgia thrashed NC State 11-2, and North Carolina narrowly overcame West Virginia 2-1. Florida's 13-inning, 11-10 win over Clemson proved to be a defining moment, even though they were later eliminated.
The Final Showdown
As we look ahead to the final game, every aspect of the contest—from pitching to batting to mental fortitude under pressure—will be crucial. With both squads chasing their first national title, the stakes could not be more significant.
The excitement and anticipation surrounding this final showdown are tangible. Both Tennessee and Texas A&M have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to reach this stage. Come Monday, one team 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.