Everything seemed out of sight as the Tigers (22-2, 5-1 ACC) sat behind the Florida State Seminoles in the final inning on March 23, in Game 2 of their series. Down by four runs with one out on the board, senior third-baseman Blake Wright stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. When the Tigers needed him the most, Wright cracked the ball deep into left-center field, launching it over the wall to earn a game-tying grand slam.
An outstanding play from a veteran player to help launch Clemson into a prime position for a walk-off win against a division rival. He was not finished, though, as another game had yet to be played against the Seminoles. Once again, Clemson found themselves down, by two runs. With two outs, Wright was offered another chance at greatness and struck gold, nailing another ball deep left. Going, going, gone for another grand slam and another set-up for a Clemson win.
Wright’s massive performance against the Seminoles wasn’t the beginning of his stardom. In two games beforehand, Wright went 4-4 with 3 RBIs against Winthrop. He followed his great game with yet another one, hitting a Clemson record-tying three home runs against Presbyterian.
The Belleair, Florida, native has had a week to remember. Being named ACC Player-of-the-Week, National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA)’s Hitter of the Week, and many more accolades, Wright put up historic numbers for the Tigers. With 21 RBIs, 10 runs, two walks, a 1.409 slugging percentage, and six home runs, all on 13-22 (.591) batting percentage, he led the Tigers to a 5-0 record and received national attention.
While the past week has been a wonder to behold, his play has been consistently critical all season long. In 24 games, he has hit 13 homers, 40 RBIs, 35 runs and a .365 batting percentage. A crucial factor for the Clemson offense and outfield, Blake Wright has helped put the Tigers on the big stage early this season.
As of earlier this week, Clemson is ranked #3 in the nation by USA Today Sports’ Coaches Poll and D1 Baseball’s Top 25. With an upcoming series against the University of Miami (14-10, 5-4 ACC) in Miami, Florida, the Tigers hope to extend their winning streak even longer and rise farther up the power rankings. Wright is sure to be a key part of the Tiger offense.
