Tigers take game one with early offense
Clemson Strikes First: Tigers Take Game One in Weekend Showdown with South Carolina
The Clemson Tigers kicked off their highly anticipated weekend series against rival South Carolina with a 5-3 victory, setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying three-game set. Behind a dominant performance from starting pitcher Aiden Kanaak and a lock-down save from sidearm reliever Lucas Mahlstedt, the Tigers managed to weather a rally from the Gamecocks and seize a crucial Game One win.
From the get-go, Clemson wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the bottom of the first inning, the Tigers were quick to capitalize on a shaky start from South Carolina’s Matthew Becker, scoring two runs to take an early lead. The momentum didn’t stop there as they added another two runs in the second inning, extending their advantage to 4-0.
South Carolina would respond in the third, plating three runs to close the gap, but Clemson's offense remained steady, answering the challenge. The Tigers got an important insurance run in the seventh inning, courtesy of a towering home run from Jarren Purify, whose shot helped to provide some breathing room for the Tigers’ bullpen.
On the mound, Kanaak was nothing short of brilliant. The junior right-hander delivered a stellar 4.2 innings of work, striking out 9 Gamecock batters and keeping South Carolina's offense off balance. With his fastball locating well and his off-speed pitches diving sharply, Kanaak's performance set the stage for a strong bullpen finish. Jacob McGovern would take the win for Clemson, earning his first victory of the season after a solid 1.1 innings in relief.
While the Tigers only registered 8 hits on the day, they made them count. Colin Priest emerged as the offensive catalyst for Clemson, driving in 2 crucial runs to lead the team in that category. Despite the relatively modest hit total, the Tigers were able to pile up runs through smart base running, timely hitting, and excellent plate discipline. Even though South Carolina’s pitchers were able to rack up some strikeouts, the Tigers’ ability to manufacture runs proved the difference.
For South Carolina, it was a game of missed opportunities. Despite an early offensive spark and a few strong at-bats, the Gamecocks struggled to find consistency. Matthew Becker, who took the loss, was tagged for four earned runs in just 3.1 innings, and their bullpen couldn’t hold the Tigers at bay during key moments of the game.
Looking ahead to Game Two, both teams will head to Greenville tomorrow for another round in the heated rivalry. The Tigers are hoping to clinch a series victory and will send Ethan Darden to the mound, a pitcher whose steady command could be just what Clemson needs to finish off the Gamecocks. South Carolina, meanwhile, will look to rebound quickly, needing a strong performance to even the series before it shifts back to Clemson for the finale.
With so much at stake and the intensity of this rivalry on full display, fans can expect another thrilling game tomorrow. The Tigers will look to keep the momentum rolling as they chase a series win and build on a solid Game One victory.