TIGERS BREAK OUT BROOMS IN COLUMBIA
Clemson Completes Dominant Sweep Over Gamecocks with 8-2 Victory in Columbia
Clemson baseball wrapped up an impressive series sweep over the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia tonight, finishing with an 8-2 win that solidified their dominance on the diamond. The Tigers entered the game focused and determined to finish what they started, and they did just that with a comprehensive performance both offensively and on the mound.
Legurnic Shines on the Mound
Leading the charge for Clemson was Justin Legurnic, who put together another stellar outing. The right-hander went a solid 4 innings, striking out 6 batters and allowing no earned runs. His performance kept the Gamecocks’ lineup in check, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Legurnic’s control was on display all evening, as he kept hitters guessing and maintained a sense of calm in high-pressure moments.
The bullpen backed him up in fine fashion, keeping South Carolina’s offense under wraps for the remainder of the game. Collectively, the Tigers’ relievers allowed just one earned run and struck out 9 Gamecock batters. As the innings wore on, it was clear that Clemson’s pitchers were in control, forcing South Carolina to chase pitches and fail to generate significant scoring opportunities.
Tigers' Offense Finds Its Spark
Clemson’s offense took a while to heat up, as Dylan Eskew of South Carolina kept them at bay early in the contest. Eskew, who threw 6 strong innings of 1-run ball, was cruising through the first few frames, seemingly having the upper hand. However, the Tigers eventually broke through with a timely display of power and patience at the plate.
It was Collin Priest who provided the game’s biggest moment, blasting a three-run home run to right field that gave Clemson the momentum they had been looking for. The shot was a thing of beauty, sailing over the wall and leaving little doubt that the Tigers were in business. Priest’s homer capped off a gritty effort, and from that point forward, the Gamecocks had little chance to recover.
A 4-Run Surge in the 9th
The true knockout punch came in the top of the 9th inning, when Clemson piled on four more runs to extend their lead. Cannarella and Gaffney both contributed key hits in the frame, while a wild pitch from South Carolina’s bullpen allowed Clemson to score their eighth and final run of the game. With the score well out of reach, the Tigers were able to cruise to victory, finishing off the Gamecocks with a flourish.
Coach Bakich's Focus on Perfection
After the game, Clemson head coach Erik Bakich shared his thoughts on the win, expressing satisfaction with the series victory but emphasizing that the sweep was the ultimate goal. "I'm happy with the series win, but I’m not satisfied’’ Bakich said. Judging by his grin and relaxed demeanor after the game, Bakich had to be pleased with the way his team executed and completed the job on the road at Founders Park.
Tigers Walk Away Victorious
With the 8-2 win, Clemson not only secured the series, but they also put a stamp on a dominant weekend over their archrival. The sweep was a statement victory for the Tigers, who showed their strength in every facet of the game—pitching, hitting, and defense. As they head into the next stretch of the season, the confidence gained from this performance will undoubtedly serve them well.
Clemson now returns to Tigertown, where they’ll look to build on their momentum and continue their strong start to the season. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks will look to regroup after being thoroughly outplayed by a team that was locked in and ready for battle.