Clemson Baseball Rolling Into Rivalry Week With Confidence
Since Erik Bakich took the reins at Clemson, the Tigers have been on an upward trajectory. In just his second year, the team won its first regional since 2010, igniting a wave of optimism among fans eager for a return to Omaha. Now, as Clemson heads into its biggest rivalry series of the season against South Carolina, all signs point to a team built for sustained success.
A Dominant Start to 2025
Clemson (7-1) has come out of the gates strong, proving they have both the offensive firepower and pitching depth to compete at the highest level. The Tigers have been battle-tested early, with statement wins over ranked opponents and an explosive offensive display against teams like Arizona and Winthrop.
Against Arizona, Clemson’s bats were on full display, racking up 16 runs on 17 hits. Cam Cannarella and Josh Paino led the charge, while Ethan Darden held down the mound in a commanding performance. The Tigers also delivered a dominant 20-7 rout of Winthrop, a game where they launched three home runs and proved their ability to score in bunches.
The lone blemish came against Ole Miss, where Clemson’s pitching faltered in a 15-5 loss. However, the Tigers rebounded in impressive fashion, tightening up their defense and securing back-to-back wins against VCU and North Carolina A&T.
Pitching Depth: Strength or Question Mark?
Aidan Knaak has established himself as Clemson’s ace, delivering a strong start against Oklahoma State (4 IP, 7 K, 4 ER). But beyond Knaak, the Tigers have faced some challenges. Justin LeGuernic struggled against Ole Miss, surrendering seven runs in less than two innings, but bounced back with a quality start against North Carolina A&T. Ethan Darden has also provided key innings, giving Clemson a reliable lefty option in the rotation.
The bullpen has been a bright spot, with Drew Titsworth and Joe Allen stepping up in crucial moments. If the Tigers can solidify their Sunday starter role and get more consistency from their midweek pitchers, their rotation could become one of the best in the ACC.
Offense Clicking on All Cylinders
What has set Clemson apart this season is their relentless offensive approach. The Tigers are hitting for power and average, and they’re doing it with contributions from up and down the lineup.
Dominic Listi (.400 AVG, 2 HR, 10 RBI) has been a consistent force at the top of the order.
Josh Paino (.375 AVG, 3 HR) and Tryston McCladdie have stepped into big roles, providing the pop Clemson needed after offseason departures.
Cam Cannarella, last year’s star, has yet to find his groove but remains a key piece of the Tigers’ offensive identity.
Clemson’s ability to manufacture runs in multiple ways was on full display against North Carolina A&T, where they stole bases at will, capitalized on defensive mistakes, and used timely hitting to secure a 12-7 win.
South Carolina Looms Large
With a high-powered offense and a deep pitching staff, Clemson looks primed for a deep run this year. But before Omaha, there’s business to take care of—and that starts with South Carolina.
The rivalry series is always intense, and this year should be no different. South Carolina boasts a formidable lineup and a deep pitching rotation, but if Clemson continues playing at this level, the Tigers have every reason to believe they can take the series.
For Bakich and company, the goal remains the same: take it one game at a time, play with intensity, and keep building toward something bigger. If early-season results are any indication, this Clemson team might just have what it takes to make a serious run at Omaha.
