Clemson baseball has had a rollercoaster of a season, but after a narrow loss to No. 2 Wake Forest at the end of March, head coach Erik Bakich declared that he believed his team was about to go on a hot streak. Bakich’s words were not just empty words but a genuine conviction that he and his team had the talent and determination to turn things around.
Since that loss, the Tigers haven’t lost a series. They have won four straight, including two road series wins and a huge series win against No. 12 Boston College. Their impressive streak has brought them up to No. 18 in the Perfect Game weekly Top 25 and No. 25 in Collegiate Baseball’s weekly poll , and they’re receiving votes in both major coaches’ polls. It’s a remarkable turnaround from just a month ago when the Tigers were struggling and seemingly out of contention for an NCAA Tournament bid.
Clemson’s statistical resume is impressive, with an RPI of No. 12 in the NCAA and No. 3 strength of schedule. Even more impressive is their performance in non-conference play, where they’ve compiled a record of 17-7 and an RPI of No. 8. Bakich and his team have overcome early season struggles, including bullpen issues and inconsistent hitting, to put together an impressive run of wins.
The turnaround has been led by a number of standout players. On offense, Junior infielder Caden Grice has been a revelation, hitting .312 with 11 home runs and 44 RBIs. Cam Cannarella and Cooper Ingle are two other players who have been on a tear.
The Tigers’ Strong Resilience
But perhaps the most impressive thing about this Clemson team is their resilience. Despite a slow start to the season, they never lost faith in themselves. Bakich’s belief that they were about to go on a hot streak was a genuine conviction that he and his team had the talent and determination to turn things around.
Clemson baseball’s never-say-die attitude has been a key factor in their impressive turnaround. Bakich and his team have faced numerous challenges and obstacles throughout the season, but they’ve never given up on themselves. Instead, they’ve used these setbacks as motivation to work harder and get better.
One of the biggest challenges Clemson faced early in the season was their inconsistent hitting. The Tigers struggled to score runs in some games, which put extra pressure on their pitchers to perform. But instead of getting discouraged, the team kept working on their hitting and found ways to improve.
Another challenge the Tigers faced was their bullpen issues. In some games, the bullpen struggled to hold leads and gave up too many runs. But Bakich and his coaching staff worked with the bullpen pitchers to improve their performance, and the results have been impressive. The Tigers’ bullpen has been much more effective in recent games, helping the team hold onto leads and secure victories.
Despite these challenges, Clemson baseball never lost faith in itself.
“I 100% believe with every fiber in my body that we are going to get hot and go on a run,” Bakich said. “No doubt.”
Erick Bakich
Of course, there’s still work to be done for Clemson. The Tigers have a tough ACC schedule ahead of them, with series against No. 16 Louisville, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina still to come. But they’re playing with confidence and momentum, and they’ve already proven that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country.
If they can continue their hot streak and maintain their resilience, Clemson has a good chance of securing a postseason bid and making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers have already shown that they can overcome adversity and compete with the best, and they have the talent and leadership to accomplish great things this season.
In the end, Clemson’s remarkable turnaround is a reminder that success in sports isn’t just about talent – it’s also about perseverance, determination, and leadership. Bakich’s unwavering belief in his team has inspired them to reach new heights, and their impressive run of wins is a testament to their hard work and dedication. The Tigers are a team to watch as the season progresses, and they have the potential to accomplish great things both on and off the field.
Clemson Baseball Remaining 2023 Schedule
- May 5-7: vs. No. 16 Louisville (ACC)
- May 10: at Coastal Carolina
- May 12-14: at Virginia Tech
- May 16: vs. USC Upstate
- May 18-20: vs. North Carolina
- May 23-28: ACC tournament in Durham, North Carolina
