No. 2 Clemson Tigers (28-4, 10-2 ACC) have roared triumphantly time and again, witnessing an astonishing turn of events on Tuesday night. The anticipated game, which ended with the USC Upstate Spartans 21-12; (10-2 Big South) rallying a remarkable 9-5 victory over the home favorites, saw Clemson’s six-game winning streak come to a jolting halt.
The night’s action kicked off with bangs as bats from both contingents swung with vigor. USC Upstate’s Noah Sullivan punctuated the second inning’s leadoff with a majestic solo home run that etched the scoreboard in favor of the visiting Spartans. The Tigers’ response was swift and fierce, Nolan Nawrocki leveling the game with his home run shot.
The seesaw tilted again when Jacob Jarrell, smashed a leadoff homer and hoisted Clemson to a tentative lead, seemingly igniting the spark for what most expected—a routine Tiger dominance. But the back-and-forth saga continued. Sullivan, firmly in his element, rounded the bases once more with a fourth-inning solo shot, once again evening the keel.
It was in the sixth that USC Upstate seemed to have seized the definitive edge. Tyler Lang turned an ill-fated 0-2 pitch into a spectacular three-run homer, leaving Clemson trailing and the Spartans in a seemingly commanding lead. The twists and turns of fate, however, were not yet done. Cam Cannarella and Jimmy Obertop struck true with back-to-back homers in the seventh, reigniting the hope and ardor in the Clemson crowd as the score leveled at 5-5.
The story of the night, and the one that will ripple through the chronicles of this matchup, unfolded in the tension-thick air of the eighth inning. USC Upstate found the bases bursting, teeming with potential and no outs, as Koby Kropf approached the plate. Kropf sent the ball sailing over the left-center fence for a grand slam—the final, decisive arc in the impressive hitting display put forth by the Spartans.
Each run scored diffused through the thrill of eight home runs, equally shared, but the climactic swing of Kropf undoubtedly claimed its place in the narrative of this clash, silencing the Clemson crowd and deciding the game.
Justin LeGuernic, in taking the loss, became an unfortunate footnote to the Spartan’s offensive exploits. On the other side, Jake Cubbler emerged from the fray with the win, his steady performance earning him commendations and the spoils.
Looking Ahead
The sudden eclipse of Clemson’s streak raises questions and eyebrows alike. For a team riding the clouds at 28-4, a loss, especially one snatched from the jaws of victory, is a bitter pill to swallow. Coach Erik Bakich now faces the challenge of marshaling his Tigers, rebalancing their sharp instincts, and preparing them for a crucial three-game series ahead against NC State.
Winning two out of three in the season series against Upstate might offer some solace, but the sting of how the third eluded Clemson’s grasp will linger. The intermission before the upcoming ACC Network Extra encounter will serve as a time not just for strategizing but also for gathering resolve.
This is a reminder of the sport’s unpredictability and the alluring drama it unfailingly provides. For Clemson, it’s back to the drawing board, with their sights set on reclaiming momentum and consistency as they prepare to host NC State in a quest to shake off this loss.
The Clemson Tigers have tasted the bitter end of the thrill ride—now the true test begins, as they pick themselves up, dust off the cleats, and once more stride into the fray.
