Sunday afternoon at Frank Eck Stadium, a blend of determination and grit shimmered through the Clemson Tigers (28-3 overall, 10-2 ACC) as they snatched victory from the jaws of an almost-certain defeat. Clemson scored two runs on a fateful two-out error in the eleventh inning to valiantly overcome Notre Dame Fighting Irish (15-14 overall, 2-13 ACC) 13-12. This pulsating win not only crowned their sweep 3-0 but also extended their winning streak to six games.
From the onset, the game’s momentum initially swung heavily in favor of the Tigers as they catapulted to a six-run lead in the fourth inning. It was a two-out error that broke the deadlock, subsequently followed by Nolan Nawrocki’s laser-sharp two-run double. Jacob Jarrell sent the ball soaring into the stands for a three-run homer, marking his first of the year.
The Fighting Irish responded timidly with an unearned run in their half of the fourth to make the score 6-1 Tigers, but little did the fans suspect, this was a prelude to a suspense-filled saga. In the fifth inning, Jacob Hinderleider struck another double, scoring two runs to strengthen the Tigers’ lead. Following that, Jarren Purify executed a sacrifice fly, bringing in another run. Then, in the 6th inning, Jimmy Obertop unleashed a solo home run, marking his seventh homer of the season.
Heading to the seventh, Clemson seemed in absolute control, courtesy of Jarrell’s run-scoring single scoring Mathes to make it 11-1. However, Notre Dame was not going to fold. Another unearned run for the Irish made it 11-2 and a four-run explosion in the eighth inning hinted at a looming storm. Clemson led 11-6 after eight innings. It was Estevan Moreno who put a charge in the ball that went beyond the fences for a three-run homer in the ninth, followed swiftly by the tying run in an edge-of-the-seat moment as Jack Penney crossed the plate on a passed ball.
After a scoreless tenth inning, Clemson poised and composed, took full advantage of a pivotal two-out miscue by the Irish defense. Jack Crighton’s grounder induced a precarious throw unlocking a dramatic two-run advantage. Rocco Reid (2-0) entered the game and pitched 1.1 innings, allowing 1 run while securing the victory.
However, the standout performer of the day was Tiger’s starter, Aidan Knaak. He held the Irish hitless until the seventh inning, striking out nine batters with a precise delivery of 64 strikes out of 81 pitches.
Notre Dame’s own David Lally Jr. (0-1) wrestled valiantly but ultimately shouldered the loss. It was a game that encapsulated more than baseball—a striking testament to Clemson’s unyielding spirit against the backdrop of an impressive Notre Dame resurgence.
The Tigers, now boasting a record of 28-3 overall and remaining giants at 10-2 in the ACC, march back home with their heads held high. Clemson will rekindle its fire at home against USC Upstate on Tuesday, while the valiant Notre Dame stands at 14-15 and 2-13 in the ACC.
Tune in for more high-stakes action as Clemson looks to capitalize on this momentum. A new challenge awaits on the horizon at 6 p.m. this coming Tuesday on ACC Network Extra.
