The Road to Glory
The 2024 College World Series culminates in a high-stakes final between Tennessee and Texas A&M, setting the stage for a new college baseball champion to emerge in the coming days.
On Sunday afternoon, Tennessee survived a thrilling comeback attempt by Texas A&M to tie the series 1-1, forcing a decisive game on Monday.
The Journey So Far
In Sunday’s game, the Aggies took an early lead thanks to a home run by Jace LaViolette. However, Tennessee responded with four unanswered runs, clinching a 4-1 victory. This score stood firm despite a late-game effort by Texas A&M.
The College World Series began last week with eight teams: Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. As the dust settled, only Tennessee and Texas A&M remained standing, with both teams never having won a national championship before—adding an extra layer of excitement to the final showdown.
Tennessee's inclusion in the College World Series Finals marks their first trip since 1951, whereas Texas A&M is making its inaugural appearance in the Finals.
Key Players and Performances
Christian Moore has been a cornerstone of Tennessee's offense throughout the year and is projected to go in the first round of next month's MLB Draft. Notably, Moore recorded only the second cycle in College World Series history during Tennessee's opening win over Florida State.
Conversely, Texas A&M has reached the Finals despite the absence of their top hitter, Braden Montgomery. A potential top-10 draft pick, Montgomery has been sidelined with a leg injury sustained earlier in the NCAA Tournament.
The Schedule Ahead
Who will rise to claim the coveted title this year? Here’s everything you need to know about the 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)
Fans can stream each game live on fubo (try for free).
Highlights from the Series
Throughout the series, fans have been treated to thrilling finishes and exceptional performances. For instance, on Friday, June 14, North Carolina edged out Virginia with a close 3-2 win, while Tennessee narrowly defeated Florida State 12-11.
The following day, Kentucky secured a 5-4 victory over NC State after ten dramatic innings, and Texas A&M pulled off a tight 3-2 win against Florida.
As the series progressed, the stakes only grew higher. On Sunday, June 16, Florida State bested Virginia 7-3 and then defeated North Carolina 6-1. The elimination rounds on Wednesday, June 19, saw Florida State sending North Carolina home with a 9-5 win, followed by Tennessee eliminating Florida State with a 7-2 victory.
The Super Regionals
The path to the College World Series Finals was paved with thrilling matches during the Super Regionals. Highlights include Florida State’s overwhelming 24-4 victory over UConn and Tennessee's hard-fought 11-6 win against Evansville. North Carolina overcame West Virginia 8-6, while Virginia triumphed over Kansas State with a 7-4 score.
Texas A&M showcased their prowess with a 15-9 victory over Oregon, proving their determination to succeed. The Super Regionals also featured dramatic moments and comeback stories, illustrated by Georgia’s 11-2 win against NC State and North Carolina’s tense 2-1 victory over West Virginia. Florida needed 13 innings to edge out Clemson 11-10, securing their spot in the finals despite eventual elimination.
The Final Showdown
As we head into the decisive final game, each team’s success will hinge on various factors—pitching, batting, and maintaining composure under intense pressure. With both teams yet to claim a national championship, the stakes couldn't be higher.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding this final clash are undeniable. Both Tennessee and Texas A&M have demonstrated remarkable resilience and tenacity to reach this point. Come Monday, one team will emerge as the new champion of college baseball.
Stay tuned for an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024 College World Series.