In a match that can only be described as an emotional roller-coaster, No. 3 Clemson baseball roared to life in a dramatic comeback to sweep past No. 12 Florida State in front of an ecstatic home crowd of 4,843. On an afternoon where every swing seemed to write a new chapter in this epic narrative, Clemson’s display of tenacity and slugging power proved monumental. Their victory was not just a game won; it was folklore in the making.
The Early Setback
The top of the second inning set the tone for what seemed like Florida State’s game to lose. A bases-loaded single put the Seminoles on the board before a soaring three-run homer sent them to a comfortable 5-0 lead. That blast lit a fire under the home team, a foreshadowing of the relentless competitive spirit that defines Clemson baseball.
The Tigers Begin To Claw Back
The spark for Clemson’s rally was struck in the bottom of the fourth when Wright’s leadoff single set the stage for Mathes, who with a powerful two-run homer, cut the deficit to 5-2. Yet, the Seminoles responded, with a solo home run in the 5th, followed by two consecutive two-run homers and a fortunate double to widen the score to 11-2 by the end of the sixth.
A Series of Fortunate Events
Then came the bottom of the sixth, a pivotal moment where momentum began to shift in Clemson’s favor. Four straight singles by Mathes, Overtop, Taylor, and Hinderleider signaled the rally cry, narrowing the gap to 11-3. The pressure continued to mount with Ciufo’s bases-loaded 2-run single and further RBIs from Cannarella and Wright, making it 11-7 and igniting belief back into the hearts of the Clemson faithful.
Mathes’ Show-stopping Play and Wright’s Grand Stand
Enter the bottom of the seventh, where the true magic happened. After Mathes’ incredible leap robbed the Seminoles of a home run in the top of the inning, Clemson capitalized on the momentum shift. Four consecutive walks further tightened the score before Jarrell’s pinch-hit ignited an outburst of cheers from an already electrified crowd. But the highlight reel wasn’t done just yet.
It was Wright, the embodiment of clutch performance, who etched his name into Tiger lore with a powerful stroke that sent the ball flying over the wall for a grand slam, flooring not only his teammates and fans but also altering the course of the game—an awe-inspiring Clemson lead at 13-11.
Reflections on a Legendary Afternoon
Clemson’s pitchers, too, deserve their share of applause—a resilient force that held the Florida State offense in the deciding moments of the game, preserving a scoreline that once seemed a figment of their imagination.
This afternoon at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, No. 3 Clemson not only defeated No. 12 Florida State but also secured a memorable victory by sweeping the Seminoles. The outcome now rests in the hands of the voters. Both Arkansas and Vanderbilt suffered losses this weekend. Will Clemson be able to surpass the current No. 2 team, Oregon State?
