Texas A&M vs. Tennessee: Saturday, June 22, 2024

TEXAS A&M VS. TENNESSEE: SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024 — It’s the proverbial unstoppable force against the immovable object in the College World Series championship series. On one hand, Tennessee has blasted its way through three opponents in Omaha, hitting .321 as a team in the College World Series. Christian Moore has hit an unthinkable .571 in Omaha, and three of the Vols’ top four hitters have hit .500 or better in the College World Series.

On the other, Texas A&M has been where offense goes to die. The Aggies have given up just three runs in three games in Omaha, and they’ve never trailed in the tournament. Texas A&M is the only team that hasn’t lost a game in the tournament, running through eight wins without a defeat.

Related: NCAA Baseball Tournament – College Station Regional

Of course, the Aggies’ last loss was to Tennessee. The Vols beat the Aggies 7-4 at the SEC tournament and eventually won the championship, en route to the No. 1 overall seed. Tennessee’s attempting to become the first No. 1 seed to win the crown since Miami in 1999. The Vols have looked the part of a top seed throughout the event, only stumbling once against Evansville in the Super Regionals.

Neither team has ever won a title, so experience won’t play a role here. This is simply a case of strength on strength between two outstanding teams, which should make for a fun series.

The Odds

First Pitch

When: Saturday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. EST

Where: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha, Neb. 

TV: ESPN

Players to Watch

So much depends on Ryan Prager for Texas A&M. Prager didn’t start the first game of the College World Series because the Aggies wanted to save him for the more difficult matchup with Kentucky, and he tossed six innings of no-hit ball. If he can pitch the same way he did last time out, the Aggies have an excellent chance to win.

Related: College World Series FAQs

Christian Moore deservedly gets most of the attention for Tennessee, but Blake Burke has been just as important. Burke has hit safely in eight of nine postseason games, only failing against Northern Kentucky. He’s had 17 hits in his past 35 at-bats, and he went 7-for-14 against the two best teams in the ACC. Having Burke behind him means teams can’t pitch around Moore, and the results have been obvious.

The Prediction

Texas A&M has done brilliantly in overcoming adversity, but the Aggies haven’t come up against a team of this caliber. The Volunteers have power one through nine and can win games by manufacturing runs when needed. As long as Tennessee’s pitching doesn’t let it down, it has the edge.

Related: NCAA Baseball Tournament – Knoxville Regional

The Aggies’ lineup is solid, but it was much stronger with Braden Montgomery. Without him available, it’s going to be hard for Texas A&M to match this Tennessee juggernaut. Pitching should keep the game close, but the Volunteers should claim the opener.