In a late Wednesday afternoon game at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, a stellar pitching performance combined with a hot start at the plate propelled the No. 8 Clemson Tigers to a commanding 5-1 victory over the Manhattan Jaspers. The Tigers extended their staggering winning streak to 11 games, taking their season record to an impressive 15-1.
On the mound, the story of the night belonged to Clemson’s Billy Barlow, who dominated the Jaspers with 5.0 innings of scoreless ball. Not only did Barlow restrict Manhattan to a sparse two hits, but he also managed a career-high nine strikeouts, bewildering the batters with a mesmerizing mix of pitches. His dominance was characterized by a fastball that seemed to sizzle through the South Carolina air and a breaking ball that snapped with venom. This performance took Barlow’s season tally to a 3-1 record, with this game certainly marking him as one to watch as ACC play looms.
The hitting was no less impressive. Cam Cannarella may only have one hit on his stat sheet, but it was the catalyst for the Clemson onslaught. A lead-off double in the first inning not only laid the foundation but also set the tone for Clemson’s approach at the plate; aggressive, yet disciplined.
Clemson surged in the first inning, exerting significant pressure on Manhattan’s starting pitcher, Garret Garbinski, who now holds a 0-2 season record. With a total of five runs (four earned) given up on seven hits in his 4.0 inning tenure, Garbinski was plagued by the consistent contact from the Tigers’ bats. The early scoring included significant contributions from both Tristan Bissetta and Nathan Hall. Each recorded a run-scoring single as part of the four-run first inning, demonstrating the depth of the Tigers’ attack that has become a central feature of their successful season thus far.
Additionally, the maiden inning rally was highlighted by a clutch two-run single off the bat of Jarren Purify, a moment epitomizing the team’s knack for timely hitting. It led to early celebrations from the orange-clad audience. Purify, clutch in his appearance, has shown he can indeed clear the base paths with timely contributions throughout the season, making him a dangerous asset in Clemson’s loaded lineup.
Not to be counted out, Manhattan’s Drew Wyers offered a glimmer of resistance in the sixth inning. His stroke of power that guided a ball over the fence accounted for the Jaspers’ lone run in the form of a home run, capturing Wyers’ ability to change the game with a single swing. The drive, while a solitary highlight for the Jaspers, provided a stark contrast to their otherwise subdued offensive performance and served as a reminder of the unpredictability inherent to baseball.
Looking forward, Clemson eyes a high-stakes battle as they commence ACC play with a three-game series against the No. 3 Duke Blue Devils. The Tigers hope to bring their momentum into the clash, beginning Friday at 4 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
