No. 12 Wake Forest swept No. 2 Clemson with a decisive 13-3 victory in an eight-inning game that left fans and analysts alike in awe. This Sunday afternoon showdown at David F. Couch Ballpark wasn’t just another game—it was a statement. The Demon Deacons, who have now clinched their ninth consecutive win, showcased a level of play that sent shockwaves through the ACC, improving their overall record to 36-16 and 15-12 in the conference. Meanwhile, the Tigers faced a setback that saw their impressive season record drop to 37-13 overall and 17-10 in ACC play.
Wake Forest’s lineup delivered a home run derby that Clemson struggled to counter. The turning point came early, with Houston stepping up to the plate in the second inning and launching a two-out grand slam that set the tone for the rest of the game.
But Clemson got on the scoreboard with Tristan Bissetta towering three-run homer, his sixth of the year, in the fourth inning to cut the demon deacon lead to 4- 3.
But the Demon Deacons were far from done. The fifth inning saw Reinisch join the home run party with a three-run blast of his own, and the hits just kept on coming. Winnay lined a three-run homer in the sixth inning, and Tellier kicked off the seventh inning with a solo homer that seemed to epitomize Wake Forest’s dominance. An unearned run later in the frame and Seaver King’s eighth-inning solo homer brought the game to an emphatic close, underlining the Demon Deacons’ offensive firepower.
Josh Hartle (6-2) of Wake Forest was stifling on the mound, earning the win with a performance that included four hits, three runs, and one walk with nine strikeouts over six innings pitched. His counterpart from Clemson, Aidan Knaak (4-1), struggled to find his rhythm, allowing five hits, six runs, and six walks with four strikeouts in just four innings pitched, ultimately suffering the loss.
This series sweep is more than just a notch in Wake Forest’s belt; it’s a clear message to the rest of the ACC and the country that they are a force to be reckoned with. The Demon Deacons’ ability to combine explosive batting with solid pitching proved too much for Clemson, a team known for its resilience and skill.
The implications of this series go beyond the immediate shock of a top-ranked team being swept. It reshapes the landscape of the ACC, injecting Wake Forest with a burst of momentum as they head into the latter part of the season, while Clemson must regroup and reassess ahead of their next challenge.
For Clemson, the road doesn’t get any easier. They conclude their road swing by facing Coastal Carolina on Tuesday, a game that will test their ability to bounce back from adversity. The matchup, set to air on ESPN+, is a crucial moment for the Tigers to rally and demonstrate the kind of resilience that has defined their season thus far.
