The Road to Glory
As we approach the climax of the 2024 College World Series, the stage is set for a thrilling finale between Tennessee and Texas A&M. A new champion in college baseball will emerge in the coming days, adding a fresh chapter to the sport's storied history.
On Sunday afternoon, Tennessee managed to stave off a wild comeback attempt from Texas A&M, leveling the series at 1-1 and setting the scene for a decisive showdown on Monday.
The Journey So Far
The Aggies took an early lead with a home run from Jace LaViolette, but Tennessee responded decisively, scoring four unanswered runs to secure a 4-1 victory. This scoreline held firm despite a late threat from Texas A&M in the ninth inning.
The road to this final has been arduous for both teams. The College World Series began last week with a field of eight teams, but traditional powerhouses like Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida have all been eliminated.
The excitement is palpable as neither Tennessee nor Texas A&M has ever clinched a national championship in baseball. This finale is particularly noteworthy as Tennessee is making its first appearance in the College World Series Finals since 1951, while Texas A&M is experiencing its inaugural Finals appearance.
Key Players and Performances
One can't discuss Tennessee's success without highlighting Christian Moore. Projected as a first-round pick in next month's MLB Draft, Moore has been a cornerstone of the Vols' offense throughout the season. His historic performance in the CWS-opening win over Florida State, where he hit for the cycle—a feat accomplished only once before in College World Series history—showcased his exceptional talent.
In contrast, Texas A&M has made it to the Finals despite the absence of their top hitter, Braden Montgomery. A potential top-10 draft pick, Montgomery has been sidelined after injuring his leg earlier in the NCAA Tournament, making the Aggies' run even more impressive.
The Schedule Ahead
As anticipation builds, fans are eagerly speculating about who will take home the title. The schedule for the College World Series Finals is as follows:
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 nothing short of spectacular, with numerous nail-biting finishes and standout performances. On June 14, North Carolina edged out Virginia 3-2, while Tennessee narrowly defeated Florida State 12-11.
The intensity continued the next day, with Kentucky besting NC State 5-4 in ten innings, and Texas A&M securing a narrow 3-2 victory over Florida.
As the series progressed, the excitement only grew. Florida State eliminated Virginia with a 7-3 win on June 16, followed by Tennessee's solid 6-1 victory over North Carolina. By June 19, the elimination rounds saw Florida State send North Carolina home with a 9-5 win, and Tennessee knocked out Florida State with a 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The journey to the College World Series Finals was marked by intense matches during the Super Regionals. Florida State's dominant 24-4 win over UConn and Tennessee's hard-fought 11-6 victory against Evansville were particularly memorable.
Other notable performances included North Carolina's 8-6 win over West Virginia, Virginia's 7-4 triumph over Kansas State, and Texas A&M's compelling 15-9 victory over Oregon.
The Super Regionals were filled with do-or-die moments and comeback stories, exemplified by Georgia's 11-2 win over NC State and North Carolina's thrilling 2-1 victory against West Virginia. Florida needed 13 innings to edge out Clemson 11-10, solidifying their place in the finals despite their eventual elimination.
The Final Showdown
With the final game on the horizon, every facet of play—from pitching to batting to maintaining composure under pressure—will be critical. The stakes couldn't be higher, with both Tennessee and Texas A&M vying for their first national championship.
The anticipation surrounding this final clash is immense. Both teams have displayed extraordinary resilience and determination to reach this point. On Monday, one team will be crowned the new champion of college baseball, concluding an unforgettable 2024 College World Series.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a dramatic and memorable finale.