The Road to Glory
As the 2024 College World Series approaches its climactic conclusion, two teams stand on the precipice of history. Tennessee and Texas A&M have fought their way to the finals, and in the next few days, one will be crowned the new champion of college baseball.
Tennessee managed to fend off a spirited comeback by Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon, evening the series at 1-1 and setting the stage for a do-or-die game on Monday night.
The Journey So Far
The Aggies jumped out to an early lead with a home run from Jace LaViolette, but Tennessee responded with four unanswered runs to bring the final score to 4-1. This score held even as Texas A&M threatened in the ninth inning, showcasing Tennessee's defensive resolve.
The College World Series journey began with eight teams, but Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida have all seen their dreams dashed. This leaves Tennessee and Texas A&M, neither of whom have ever won a national championship, adding an extra layer of excitement to this year's finale.
For Tennessee, this marks their first College World Series Finals appearance since 1951. On the other hand, it is Texas A&M's debut in the Finals, a significant milestone for the program.
Key Players and Performances
One of the standout performers for Tennessee has been Christian Moore, a player projected as a first-round pick in next month's MLB Draft. Moore made history in the College World Series opener against Florida State by hitting for the cycle, only the second time this feat has been achieved in CWS history.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M reached the Finals even with their top hitter, Braden Montgomery, sidelined due to a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament. Montgomery, a potential top-10 draft pick, has been a significant absence for the Aggies, yet they have shown remarkable resilience in his absence.
The Schedule Ahead
As anticipation builds for the final showdown, fans are eager to see who will come out on top.
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 will be available for streaming on fubo (try for free).
Highlights from the Series
The College World Series has been packed with nail-biting finishes and extraordinary performances. On Friday, June 14, North Carolina edged out Virginia 3-2, while Tennessee narrowly defeated Florida State 12-11. The very next day, Kentucky clinched a victory over NC State with a score of 5-4 after ten thrilling innings, and Texas A&M secured a narrow 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 eliminating North Carolina with a 9-5 win, and Tennessee sending Florida State home with a 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The path to the College World Series Finals was marked by riveting 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 took down West Virginia 8-6, while Virginia overcame Kansas State 7-4. Texas A&M delivered a strong showing with a 15-9 victory over Oregon, proving their mettle every step of the way.
The Super Regionals were full of 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 win against West Virginia. Florida needed 13 innings to edge out Clemson 11-10, solidifying their spot in the finals despite ultimate elimination later.
The Final Showdown
As the final game approaches, every aspect of the game will play a crucial role—from pitching and batting to maintaining composure under intense pressure. The stakes could not be higher, with neither team having previously won a national championship.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding this final showdown are palpable. Both Tennessee and Texas A&M have exhibited 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.