The Road to Glory
As the 2024 College World Series reaches its climax, only two teams remain standing, each on the cusp of their first national championship in college baseball. In a dramatic turn of events, Tennessee held off a wild comeback attempt by Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon to tie the series 1-1, setting the stage for a do-or-die Game 3 on Monday.
The Journey So Far
The Aggies took an early lead, thanks to a home run by Jace LaViolette. However, the Volunteers responded with four unanswered runs to secure a 4-1 victory. This score held firm even as Texas A&M mounted a late rally in the ninth inning, threatening to turn the game around.
The College World Series began with eight teams, but Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida were all eliminated along the way. Neither Tennessee nor Texas A&M has ever clinched a national championship, adding an extra layer of excitement to this final matchup.
Tennessee is making its first appearance in the College World Series Finals since 1951, while Texas A&M is venturing into this territory for the first time in its history.
Key Players and Performances
Christian Moore has been a cornerstone of Tennessee's offensive prowess this season. Projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft, Moore etched his name into the history books by hitting for the cycle in the Volunteers' CWS-opening win against Florida State. His consistency and power have been crucial to Tennessee’s run in the tournament.
On the other hand, the Aggies have reached the Finals despite a significant setback. Braden Montgomery, a potential top-10 draft pick, has not played in the CWS due to a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament. Montgomery’s absence has been felt, yet Texas A&M has shown resilience and depth in navigating through these challenges.
The Schedule Ahead
The question on everyone's mind is: Who will emerge victorious? Here's the schedule for the College World Series Finals:
- 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 2024 College World Series has been a roller-coaster ride, featuring nail-biting finishes and extraordinary performances. For instance, on Friday, June 14, North Carolina edged out Virginia 3-2, while Tennessee pulled off a narrow victory against Florida State with a score of 12-11.
The following day, Kentucky clinched a win over NC State 5-4 after ten thrilling innings, and Texas A&M secured a tight 3-2 win against Florida.
As the series progressed, the intensity ramped up. Florida State eliminated Virginia with a 7-3 victory on Sunday, June 16, followed by Tennessee defeating North Carolina 6-1.
By Wednesday, June 19, the elimination rounds had become even more dramatic. Florida State eliminated North Carolina with a 9-5 win, and Tennessee sent Florida State home with a decisive 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The journey to the College World Series Finals was filled with riveting matches during the Super Regionals. Highlights included Florida State’s dominant 24-4 victory over UConn, and Tennessee’s gritty 11-6 win against Evansville.
North Carolina overcame West Virginia with an 8-6 score, while Virginia triumphed over Kansas State 7-4. Texas A&M showcased their strength with a 15-9 win over Oregon. The Super Regionals were characterized by do-or-die moments and incredible comeback stories, including Georgia’s 11-2 win over NC State, and North Carolina’s narrow 2-1 victory against West Virginia.
Florida needed 13 innings to edge out Clemson 11-10, securing their spot in the finals despite their subsequent elimination.
The Final Showdown
As the final game approaches, every aspect of play—from pitching to batting to maintaining composure under pressure—will be critical. With neither team having won a national championship before, the stakes could not be higher.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding this final showdown are palpable. Both Tennessee and Texas A&M have shown remarkable resilience and tenacity to reach this point. Come Monday, one of these teams 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.