The Road to Glory
The anticipation is palpable as we narrow down to the final two teams in the 2024 College World Series. Tennessee and Texas A&M will soon face off for the ultimate prize: a national championship neither has ever claimed.
The Journey So Far
In a tense and exhilarating match, Tennessee managed to thwart a daring comeback attempt by Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon, tying the series 1-1 and setting the stage for a do-or-die game on Monday.
The Aggies initially took the lead with a home run from Jace LaViolette, but the Vols fired back with four unanswered runs, ultimately securing a 4-1 victory. Texas A&M threatened in the ninth inning, but Tennessee's defense held firm.
The College World Series began with eight teams, but Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida have all been eliminated. The imminent finale brings an extra layer of excitement, with neither Tennessee nor Texas A&M having won a national championship in their history.
Tennessee has reached the College World Series Finals for the first time since 1951, while this marks Texas A&M's inaugural appearance in the Finals.
Key Players and Performances
Christian Moore, a player projected as a first-round pick in next month's MLB Draft, has been instrumental in Tennessee's offensive performance throughout the year. Moore made headlines by hitting for the second cycle in College World Series history during Tennessee's opening win against Florida State.
Despite the absence of their top hitter, the Aggies have made it to the Finals. Braden Montgomery, a potential top-10 draft pick, has been sidelined due to a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament, yet Texas A&M demonstrated resilience and depth in his absence.
The Schedule Ahead
With the series tied at 1-1, all eyes turn to the deciding game. The schedule is set, and here’s everything you need to know for the climactic showdown.
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 not disappointed, featuring nail-biting finishes and standout performances. On Friday, June 14, North Carolina edged out Virginia 3-2, while Tennessee narrowly defeated Florida State 12-11.
The following day, Kentucky clinched a victory over NC State with a 5-4 win after ten thrilling innings, and Texas A&M secured a 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’s solid 6-1 win against North Carolina. By Wednesday, June 19, several teams faced elimination, resulting in Florida State knocking out North Carolina with a 9-5 win, and Tennessee sending Florida State home with a 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The journey to the College World Series Finals was forged through the Super Regionals, featuring riveting matches and dramatic moments. Highlights include Florida State’s dominant 24-4 win over UConn, and Tennessee’s gritty 11-6 victory against Evansville.
North Carolina took down West Virginia 8-6, while Virginia overcame Kansas State with a 7-4 score. Texas A&M stood out with a 15-9 victory over Oregon, showcasing their determination to prove themselves.
Super Regionals exhibited 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, cementing their finals spot despite their eventual elimination.
The Final Showdown
As Tennessee and Texas A&M prepare for their final showdown, every factor will be crucial, from pitching prowess to batting precision and maintaining composure under pressure. With no previous national championships, the stakes are higher than ever.
The excitement and anticipation surrounding this final game are undeniable. Both teams have shown remarkable resilience and tenacity to reach this point. Come Monday night, one will rise as the new champion of college baseball.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024 College World Series.