Clemson TAKES SERIES WITH WIN IN GREENVILLE
Clemson Clinches Series Victory Over South Carolina with Dominant Performance
Clemson walked into the neutral site game of the weekend series against South Carolina on March 1st, 2025, with one thing on their minds: securing the series win. And that's exactly what they did, thanks to an outstanding performance from starting pitcher Ethan Darden, who delivered a stellar 7.0 innings of shutout baseball.
Darden's outing was nothing short of masterful. The junior lefty, who had been dialed in all season, showed poise and control, keeping the Gamecock offense off balance with a mix of deadly fastballs and sharp-breaking pitches. Clemson knew they needed a big game from Darden, and he answered the call with ease, setting the tone for the entire game.
While the Tigers were aggressive early, the offense took a little time to get rolling. They wasted no time getting on base in the first inning when leadoff hitter, Listi, blasted a triple into the gap. However, they could not bring him home as the next batters faltered, stranding him at third.
The Tigers finally broke through in the third inning when Cam Cannarella delivered a clutch double to score Listi, who had reached base earlier. Just moments later, it was Luke Gaffney’s turn to come through. His groundout brought in Cannarella from second, doubling the lead to 2-0.
As the game progressed, it became clear that Darden was in complete control. The Gamecocks struggled to get anything going against the lefty, and South Carolina’s best opportunity came in the eighth inning when Ethan Petry launched a solo shot over the left-field fence, cutting Clemson's lead to 2-1.
In the top of the ninth, Clemson's offense put the game out of reach, scoring three insurance runs to make it a comfortable 5-1 lead. The rally started with a knock from Jarrell, followed by a key hit from Bissetta, and a crucial RBI double from Purify. The Tigers’ ability to manufacture runs late in the game was a testament to their depth and offensive versatility.
Reliever Drew Titsworth who pitched 2.0 innings slammed the door shut on any hopes of a Gamecock comeback in the 9th. Titsworth pitched a clean two innings to pick up his first season save, striking out one and maintaining the Tigers' dominance on the mound.
With the 5-1 victory, Clemson not only clinched the series win but also sent a strong statement across the Palmetto State. The Tigers will now turn their attention to tomorrow's game, where they’ll look to complete the sweep at Founders Park in Columbia. If today’s performance was any indication, Clemson is ready to take the next step toward an impressive season.
It’s been a complete team effort, but with Darden’s gem on the mound, timely hitting, and solid relief, the Tigers look primed to make a push for bigger things ahead. They’ll look to carry this momentum into the final game of the series and leave no doubt that they’re a force to be reckoned with this season.
Box Score:
Clemson 5, South Carolina 1
Picture by Dawson Smith