ICYMI: Clemson Baseball Stays Hot with First Conference Sweep of the Year
Frustration was understandably mounting after a sweep at the hands of Wake Forest at home which sent the Tigers tumbling to a 16-13 record and only 2-7 in the ACC. Since that low moment, Clemson has managed to battle back by going 9-3 over the next 12 games to put themselves in a prime postseason position once more. This stretch was capped off by easily the best series this team has played all season long.
Before heading to Raleigh just a few days ago the Tigers had not only not swept a conference opponent but hadn't even won the series opener in a conference matchup. Both of those goals now have been crossed off.
Clemson swept N.C. State in a series over this past weekend. (Clemson Athletics)
The Sunday series capper began exactly as Clemson fans would have hoped it would. 6 runs in the first 3 innings were thanks in part to a 2 RBI double by Will Taylor and a run-scoring single by pitcher Caden Grice. The Wolfpack tried to claw back a couple of different times narrowing the lead to 3, but Clemson responded with a 2-out RBI single from Ben Blackwell and the lone homer of the game for the Tigers coming off the bat of Cam Cannarella. The final score of 8-5 appears closer than the actual reality.
Coach Erik Bakich spoke to reporters after the game and had a telling quote that gave you an idea of where he feels this team is at now: "These guys they've calloused their minds with just the way the games have gone early in the season and it just feels like these guys are about all the right things right now and are tough to beat."
This win took the Tigers up to 22nd in the country in RPI with the 3rd highest strength of schedule which will certainly continue to draw eyes to the postseason potential of this team.