Tigers bring the kid energy in walk-off win at Little League Classic
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- As the Tigers spent the day with the Little Leaguers for the Little League Classic, there was a renewed energy among the team. A reminder of the passion and love that they shared for the sport as they entered Sunday night’s contest against the Yankees.
“I think sometimes you get into the day in, day out of baseball, it became a job, a business. Coming here and seeing all the smiles, the passion, the love for the game, kind of like refreshes you a little bit,” said Tigers reliever Alex Faedo. “So it's really cool to see these guys, you know, playing their hardest all the time, and [it] kind of reminds you why you do it.”
The Tigers brought the energy in the 3-2 walk-off win against the Yankees, fighting hard every step of the way, outside of the Yankees scoring in Little League fashion off a wild pitch in the sixth inning. Detroit clipped on the heels of the Yankees as the end of the game seemed imminent.
Jace Jung delivered the game-tying RBI single in the ninth -- his first career RBI -- to keep the game alive for the kids to enjoy from the stands. The Yankees immediately answered the call in the 10th inning, but the Tigers found the momentum at the right moment.
Pinch-hitter Zach McKinstry singled, bringing in Trey Sweeney to score in the bottom half. Then, after McKinstry stole second, Parker Meadows followed suit, knocking a single to bring in his teammate.
The team sprinted onto the field in celebration as it took home not just a series win, but the 2024 Little League Classic title as well.