Yankees Lose to Tigers in Little League Classic

In a dramatic finish at Bowman Field, the Detroit Tigers edged out the New York Yankees 3-2 in the Little League Classic on Sunday night, overcoming a late-game challenge. The Yankees held a slim 1-0 lead into the bottom of the ninth, thanks to a stellar performance from pitcher Marcus Stroman, who delivered six shutout innings. However, the game took a turn when Clay Holmes, tasked with closing, surrendered the lead, allowing the Tigers to tie the game with a clutch hit from rookie Jace Jung. The Yankees had initially taken the lead with a run in the eighth inning, but the Tigers rallied in the ninth. Colt Keith's double set the stage for Jung's game-tying single, which sent the game into extra innings. The Yankees' defense, highlighted by a relay from Aaron Judge to Anthony Volpe to Jose Trevino, had kept the shutout intact until that pivotal moment. In the tenth inning, the Tigers capitalized on their momentum. Pinch-hitter Zack McKinstry led off with an RBI single and later scored the winning run on Parker Meadows’ hit to left field. A misplay by Jasson Dominguez on the throw home allowed McKinstry to cross the plate, sealing the victory for Detroit. Despite the loss, the Yankees (73-52) showcased resilience, with Stroman's performance marking a significant improvement in his recent outings. However, the missed opportunities ultimately cost them the game in a thrilling encounter.