In a thrilling contest at Historic Bowman Field, the Detroit Tigers edged out the New York Yankees 3-2 in ten innings during the Little League Classic. While the Yankees enjoyed a day mingling with Little Leaguers, the evening’s extended game came with a heavy price.
Late-Inning Drama Unfolds
Clay Holmes failed to hold a one-run lead in the ninth inning, allowing the Tigers to tie the game. The Yankees then saw their hopes fade as Mark Leiter Jr. surrendered the game-winning run in the 10th inning. Tigers rookie Colt Keith ignited the ninth-inning rally with a crucial double and crossed the plate on Jace Jung’s single to left, tying the game at 1-1.
Entering the extras, DJ LeMahieu’s RBI single briefly restored hope for the Yankees with a 2-1 lead. However, the Tigers quickly responded. Zack McKinstry, pinch-hitting, delivered a game-tying RBI single and subsequently stole second base. Parker Meadows then sealed the victory with a single to left field, scoring McKinstry, as a fumbled throw home by Jasson Dominguez dashed any hope of extending the game further.
The Yankees’ ace Marcus Stroman shone on the mound, delivering six shutout innings and allowing just four hits with five strikeouts. He was backed by stellar defensive efforts, including an impeccable relay from Aaron Judge to Anthony Volpe to Jose Trevino that preserved the shutout.
Meanwhile, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal was just as formidable, impressively dealing with a Yankee offense that has struggled against left-handed pitchers this season. Skubal amassed 100 pitches over six innings, allowing the only run when Gleyber Torres capitalized on a wild pitch in the sixth inning.
Jasson Dominguez, promoted as the 27th man for this game, had a challenging night, striking out three times in four at-bats. Despite Stroman’s efficient deliveries compared to Skubal, New York’s bullpen couldn’t capitalize on his performance.
Stroman, who had been struggling with a high ERA over his last ten starts, seemed to have regained form. His defense was particularly supportive in the fifth inning, executing a flawless relay to nail Jung at home plate.
The Tigers, quiet for most of the weekend, found a way to stifle the Yankees’ bats and snatch the victory, marking the end of an all-too-brief winning edge for New York.
Carlos SME
Sports Writer & Betting Analyst
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