Image source: Instagram/@tigers
Tigers vs Yankees: Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees star, was welcomed like a rock star by hundreds of Little Leaguers at the MLB Little League Classic. From the moment he stepped off the plane, the kids swarmed him for autographs, selfies, and even muscle size questions.
Judge, feeling like a member of The Beatles, sported a Little League hat at his press conference. He had traded some Yankees gear for the cap and collectible pins but would have gladly swapped more for a win.
On Sunday night, Parker Meadows delivered the game-winning hit in the 10th inning, sparking fireworks and cheers from the Little Leaguers. His single sent Zach McKinstry sliding headfirst across home plate, giving the Detroit Tigers a 3-2 victory over the Yankees.
The game was filled with excitement, especially in the ninth inning. Yankees’ Aaron Judge, who went 1 for 4, wished for a different outcome, saying, “Some memories I’ll never forget, I just wish the game turned out a little different.”
Detroit rookie Jace Jung tied the game at 1 in the ninth with a clutch RBI single off Yankees closer Clay Holmes. Colt Keith had set up the scoring chance with a double. The Yankees had taken a 2-1 lead in the 10th inning, thanks to DJ LeMahieu’s single.
However, McKinstry responded by scoring Detroit’s automatic runner to tie the game. He then stole second and scored the winning run on Meadows’ single to left field.
Beau Brieske, who pitched one inning, earned the win for the Tigers. Meanwhile, Gleyber Torres had scored for the Yankees in the sixth inning on a wild pitch from Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The game, played in front of 2,532 fans, mostly Little Leaguers and their families, featured many moments reminiscent of Little League games, including a wild pitch and a runner being thrown out at the plate.
The game’s atmosphere was special, with kids dressed in their Little League uniforms, sipping drinks, and enjoying $3 hot dogs and Cracker Jack. Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole even joined the ESPN broadcast from behind home plate, chatting with a young player.
Injured Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. captured the game with a handheld camera and made friends with a Little Leaguer from Nevada.
The night also featured lighter moments, like Australian players serving as public address announcers and the Tigers’ mascot, Paws, taking selfies with kids. The game had a unique charm, blending the excitement of Little League with the professionalism of MLB.
The Tigers, with six players aged 24 or younger in their starting lineup, appreciated the experience, with manager A.J. Hinch expressing confidence in his young team.
Looking ahead, the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets are scheduled to play in next year’s Classic on August 17, 2025. DomÃnguez, who was brought up as the 27th player for the Yankees, returned to Triple-A after the game.
The Yankees have a day off before starting a six-game homestand, while the Tigers will begin a seven-game road trip in Chicago on Tuesday.
