In a thrilling display of perseverance and skill, the No. 4 ranked Clemson baseball team staged an incredible comeback against the Louisville Cardinals, pulling off a narrow 12-11 victory at Jim Patterson Stadium on Friday night. The dramatic win, sparked by a four-run ninth inning, underscored the Tigers’ resilience and set the tone for the series by taking a crucial 1-0 lead. Clemson Improves to 33-8 overall and 14-5 in the ACC, Clemson demonstrated why they are considered one of the elite teams this season. Meanwhile, Louisville faced a tough setback, falling to 24-17 overall and 9-10 in conference play.
The game initiated with a competitive exchange as Isaac Humphrey put Louisville on the board first with a run-scoring triple in the third inning. Clemson, undeterred, responded emphatically in the top of the fourth. Jack Crighton(2-5 1 RBI), Tristan Bissetta(2-4 4 RBI), and Alden Mathes(3-6 1 RBI) delivered hit after hit with run-scoring singles. An error by Louisville allowed the fourth run of the inning, showcasing Clemson’s ability to capitalize on their opportunities.
However, Louisville wasn’t ready to roll over. A sequence of events in the bottom of the fourth, ignited by a walk and fueled by Clemson’s costly error, led Louisville to amass a 10-run inning. This sudden outburst allowed the Cardinals to leap ahead with an 11-4 lead, seemingly seizing control of the game.
But the Tigers, true to their moniker as the “Comeback Kids,” refused to concede. Bissetta, a standout performer for Clemson, played a crucial role, adding a two-out, two-run single in the fifth inning and an RBI fielder’s choice in the seventh. The stage was then set for the ninth-inning drama that has become normal for Clemson this season.
The ninth inning was a showcase of Clemson’s relentless pursuit of victory. Jacob Hinderleider and Blake Wright(2-4 2B, 1 RBI) contributed with a run-scoring single and a sacrifice fly, respectively. Wright’s effort was particularly notable as it extended his hitting streak to an impressive 11 games. With the game hanging in the balance, Jimmy Obertop(2-5 2B, 1 RBI) tied the game with a clutch single, setting the stage for Cam Cannarella’s heroics (2-6 2 RBI). Cannarella delivered a two-out, run-scoring single, cementing the Tigers’ comeback from a seven-run deficit.
On the pitching front, Matthew Marchal earned the win, improving to an undefeated 5-0, and Austin Gordon secured his seventh save of the year, highlighting the depth of Clemson’s pitching roster. For Louisville, Tucker Biden suffered the loss, moving to a 3-1 record this season.
Looking Ahead
This game was more than just a win for Clemson; this just showed the talent and never-say-die attitude. The Tigers have once again proven that they are never out of the fight, making a strong statement as the series continues.
The teams are set to face off again on Saturday at 1 p.m., broadcasted on ACC Network Extra. Hopefully, Clemson will come out, play a strong game, and get another series win.
