In a thrilling matchup at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Friday night, the No. 6 Clemson baseball secured a dramatic 5-4 walk-off victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tigers, now with a commanding 2-0 lead in the series and boasting an impressive 11-game winning streak, improved their overall record to 38-17 and their ACC record to 19-10. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels fell to 33-20 overall and 14-13 in ACC play.
The game was filled with excitement and pivotal moments, keeping fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Patrick Alvarez set the tone for the Tigers in the second inning with a powerful three-run homer, giving Clemson an early lead. However, the Tar Heels responded strongly, putting pressure on the Tigers’ defense.
Clemson showed resilience in the third inning, rallying with three runs of their own. With the bases loaded, Caden Grice took one for the team as he was hit by a pitch, bringing in a run. Then, with an 0-2 count, Billy Amick came through with a clutch two-run single, leveling the score. The Tigers continued their momentum in the fourth inning when Cam Cannarella’s sacrifice fly gave them a narrow 4-3 lead.
In the ninth inning, North Carolina capitalized on three pop-up hits that were lost by the Tiger fielders amidst the evening sky. The final hit, a two-out pop-up by Jackson Van De Brake, landed for a double in shallow center field, allowing the tying run to score from first base. In the bottom of the ninth inning, following a walk by Grice and Amick getting hit by a pitch, Wright connected with the first pitch, sending it to left field for the game-winning hit.
With the game hanging in the balance, Clemson’s offense mounted a comeback. A walk to Caden Grice and a hit-by-pitch for Billy Amick put the winning run in scoring position. It was then that Blake Wright stepped up to the plate. On the first pitch he saw, Wright delivered a line drive to left field, bringing Grice home and igniting a euphoric celebration among the Tigers and their fans.
Pitcher Ryan Ammons (2-0) was credited with the win, as he delivered a strong performance on the mound. On the other side, Matt Poston (3-3) of North Carolina was charged with the loss. It was a game where both teams demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering determination, fostering an atmosphere filled with intense competition.
The series and regular season will conclude on Saturday at 1 p.m., with the game broadcasted on ACC Network. The day will also mark Senior Day for Clemson, as the team takes a moment to honor its seniors during a pregame ceremony at 12:30 p.m.
The Clemson Tigers have undoubtedly left their mark on this series, displaying their prowess on the field and their unwavering spirit. As the final game approaches, fans eagerly await another thrilling showdown between these two talented teams.
