Game 1:
The Clemson Baseball team did it again at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Friday night. The No. 4 Clemson baseball team staged a comeback from a 4-0 deficit, securing a 6-4 win against the Pittsburgh Panthers. This comeback not only secured the Tigers a 1-0 lead in the series but also improved their overall record to 31-6 and 12-4 in ACC play, while the Panthers fell to 15-20 overall and a 4-15 record in the conference.
The night started unfavorably for the Tigers as the Panthers quickly capitalized on a two-out wild pitch in the first inning, followed by exploiting a crucial two-out error in the third inning that led to three unearned runs to make the score 4-0.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the fifth inning when Clemson’s resolve came to the forefront. Sparked by Jacob Jarrell’s sacrifice fly, the Tigers began chipping away at the Panthers’ lead. Following Jarrell’s effort, Cam Cannarella smacked a run-scoring double and Alden Mathes connected with a line-drive single to bring home another run, ultimately tying the game at 4-4.
The heroics of Jimmy Obertop, who led off the sixth inning with his second homer of the game and his 11th of the season, were pivotal in giving Clemson the lead. The Tigers further solidified their advantage later in the inning when Jarren Purify executed a flawless safety squeeze bunt, doubling the lead and setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Clemson’s bullpen was nothing short of exceptional, playing a key role in the team’s comeback. Lucas Mahlstedt entered the game in a critical situation and performed magnificently, tossing 3.1 innings without surrendering a run and striking out three, earning him the win. Following Mahlstedt, Reed Garris threw two perfect innings, shutting down the Panthers’ offense and paving the way for closer Austin Gordon. Gordon maintained his composure in the ninth inning, securing his sixth save of the year and sealing the victory for Clemson.
The standout performances didn’t just shape the game but also highlighted the depth of talent within the Tigers’ roster. Jimmy Obertop emerged as a significant power threat, proving crucial in both building and then extending Clemson’s lead. Meanwhile, Jacob Jarrell’s consistency at the plate, including his crucial sacrifice fly, demonstrated his invaluable role in the Tigers’ batting lineup, but the true showcase of Clemson’s strength lies in its pitching staff. Lucas Mahlstedt’s dominant relief performance, alongside Reed Garris and Austin Gordon, highlights the exceptional quality of Clemson’s bullpen.
Game 2:
The Pittsburgh Panthers managed to secure an 8-4 victory against the No. 4 ranked Clemson Tigers in the first game of a crucial doubleheader at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on a sunny Saturday afternoon. This victory not only brought the series to a 1-1 tie but also highlighted Pittsburgh’s resilience and tactical brilliance, improving their record to 16-20 overall and giving them a much-needed boost in the ACC with a 5-15 standing. On the flip side, the defeat for Clemson was a rare stumble in an otherwise stellar season, moving their overall tally to 31-7 and 12-5 in the ACC.
The star of the show without a doubt was Jack Sokol, whose masterclass on the mound set the tone for Pittsburgh’s dominance. Pitching for an impressive six scoreless innings, Sokol (4-2) skillfully managed Clemson’s explosive batting lineup, allowing a mere five hits and two walks while striking out four batters. His performance was a pivotal turning point, earning him the win and setting up Pittsburgh for a substantial lead.
Pittsburgh set the stage early on, with Dom Popa knocking a crucial two-out, two-run single in the first inning, immediately putting pressure on Clemson. The hits kept coming as Luke Cantwell and C.J. Funk added their signatures with a run-scoring single and a run-scoring double in the second and third innings, respectively. However, the highlight reel had more in store as Josh Spiegel launched a massive three-run homer that sent ripples across Doug Kingsmore Stadium. In the fourth inning, Pittsburgh capitalized on a bases-loaded walk to stretch their lead to an imposing 8-0.
Despite falling behind early, Clemson showed glimpses of their known fighting spirit in the latter stages of the game. A fielder’s choice by Cam Cannarella in the seventh inning put them on the scoreboard. The momentum carried over to the ninth inning with Blake Wright igniting a spark with a line-drive three-run homer, his 15th of the year, narrowing the margin to 8-4. Wright’s late heroics, though commendable, couldn’t overturn the deficit, leaving Clemson to ponder what could have been in this high-stakes encounter.
Apart from Sokol’s standout pitching, the game saw several key performances that were crucial to Pittsburgh’s success. Dom Popa’s early hit set the pace for the Panthers, while Josh Spiegel’s three-run homer was undoubtedly the game’s showstopper, bringing significant runs that essentially sealed Clemson’s fate. On the Clemson side, Blake Wright’s three-run home run in the ninth inning was a highlight, showcasing Clemson’s never-say-die attitude until the final out.
Game 3:
Clemson Baseball stars Jimmy Obertop and freshman sensation Aidan Knaak led No. 4 Clemson Tigers to a resounding 9-2 triumph over the Pittsburgh Panthers, clinching the series with a captivating display of power and precision.
The stage was set for an unforgettable performance as Obertop stepped up to the plate, delivering not one, not two, but a record-tying three home runs, a feat that etched his name into Clemson baseball history. His achievement made him the 18th player in school history—and the third this season— to launch three balls out of the park in a single game, sharing the spotlight with Will Taylor and Blake Wright. For the weekend Obertop went 7-14 and had a .500 batting average.
While Obertop set the offensive tone, it was Aidan Knaak who stole the show on the defensive side. The freshman right-hander, with a calmness belying his years, pitched 5.2 scoreless innings, displaying a mix of pitches that left the Panthers bewildered. Allowing only four hits, walking two, and striking out eight, Knaak’s masterclass performance was a critical factor in the day’s success, improving his season record to an impressive 4-0 and demonstrating why he is one of the most promising talents in college baseball.
From the onset, Clemson displayed a hunger and determination that signaled their intent. The first inning saw Obertop set the tone with a two-run homer after Wright had reached base due to an error, and the momentum firmly swung in favor of the Tigers.
The strength of Clemson’s batting lineup was on full display in the third and fifth innings, with Hinderleider’s crucial hits contributing to the widening gap between the teams. A double in the third brought in another run, and his solo home run in the fifth underscored Clemson’s dominance.
The Panthers found a glimmer of hope in the eighth, managing to put two runs on the scoreboard thanks to a series of walks and wild pitches. However, any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished by back-to-back solo homers from Wright and Obertop in the bottom of the same inning, sealing a 9-2 victory for the Tigers.
Looking Ahead:
With this series win, Clemson has now won 12 of their last 13, a testament to the depth and quality throughout the team. The Tigers’ eyes are now set on their next challenge, a midweek clash against Georgia in Athens on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
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