No. 3 Clemson Tigers clinched the Clemson Regional title with a decisive 12-5 victory over Coastal Carolina at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Sunday night. The win not only marked Clemson’s first regional championship since 2010 but also solidified their spot in the Clemson Super Regional, where they will face the winner of the Stillwater Regional.
“From the bottom of my heart and team 127, we want to thank the fans. The electricity at DKS was another level. To see the cell phone lights come out, it was like you were at a concert. The place was rocking and it was the best I’ve ever seen it.”
Erick Bakich
From the first pitch, the Tigers set the tone for what would become a memorable game. In the opening inning, Blake Wright’s run-scoring single and Jimmy Obertop’s RBI fielder’s choice put Clemson on the board with a quick two-run lead. Coastal Carolina managed to respond with a run in the top of the second inning, but the Tigers were relentless. Alden Mathes’ grounder in the bottom of the second restored their two-run advantage.
One highlight you won’t find in the scorebook in the top of the second inning is Clemson’s hidden ball trick. After Coastal scored, with one out and runners on first and third, Blake Wright pretended to hand the ball to pitcher Ethan Darden but secretly kept it.
When Dean Mihos stepped off third base, Wright tagged him out for the second out. This clever play helped Clemson escape the inning without allowing another run from Coastal Carolina. It was definitely a “SportsCenter Top 10 play” and a crucial momentum shift.
“I don’t really remember how I got the ball. I just gave Ethan a fist bump and said let’s go.” said Wright, “I just sat next to the bag to see what he was would do. I actually thought he saw the ball and I about gave the ball back, but when he stepped off the bag, I tagged him.”
Blake Wright
The third inning saw Obertop blast his 20th home run of the season, extending Clemson’s lead. By the fourth inning, the Tigers were firmly in control, thanks to Jacob Hinderleider’s timely two-out single that brought in another run, making it 5-1. Hinderleider’s performance earned him the coveted Clemson Regional MVP award, a testament to his pivotal role throughout the series.
Despite the mounting pressure, Coastal Carolina refused to back down. In the top of the fifth inning, Sam Antonacci’s two-out single scored a run, giving the Chanticleers a glimmer of hope. However, Clemson’s Nolan Nawrocki answered with a bases-loaded walk in the bottom half of the inning, maintaining the Tigers’ commanding lead.
The eighth inning brought some drama as Coastal Carolina’s Caden Bodine belted a two-run homer, followed by Derek Bender’s solo shot, narrowing the gap to 6-5. With the game hanging in the balance, Clemson needed a spark to reclaim their momentum.
The Explosive Eighth Inning
Leading off the bottom of the eighth, Cannarella smashed his 10th home run of the season, igniting the crowd and his teammates. What followed was an offensive explosion that sealed the victory for the Tigers. Jack Crighton’s run-scoring single, along with two-run doubles from both Mathes and Hinderleider, added six runs in the inning, pushing the lead to a comfortable 12-5.
Clemson Pitching
Clemson’s pitching staff played a crucial role in the victory. Reed Garris (2-1) earned the win with a career-long 3.0 innings pitched in relief, showcasing his resilience and skill under pressure. Austin Gordon also made significant contributions, pitching 1.1 innings to record his 11th save of the year.
On the opposing side, Chanticleer starter Trevor Hinkel (1-3) struggled against the relentless Tigers’ offense, ultimately suffering the loss.
Looking Ahead to the Super Regional
With this impressive win, the Tigers improved their season record to 44-14 and secured their place in the Clemson Super Regional. They are set to host the best-of-three series at Doug Kingsmore Stadium against the winner of the Stillwater Regional. Game dates and times will be announced by the NCAA in the coming days.
For Clemson, this victory is more than just another win; it’s a testament to the team’s grit, and determination. Head Coach Erik Bakich praised his players for their relentless effort and focus throughout the regional tournament.
The Clemson Fans
The energy at Doug Kingsmore Stadium was electric, with fans cheering on their Tigers from start to finish. The victory not only brought joy to the Clemson faithful but also heightened anticipation for the upcoming Super Regional.
“Best beer shower you could ever ask for. That’s what we want…and we want to do that over and over again, as many times as possible.”
Erick Bakich
The Clemson Tigers’ 12-5 victory over Coastal Carolina in the Clemson Regional final was a masterclass in baseball excellence. From their explosive offense to their strategic pitching, the Tigers demonstrated why they are one of the top teams in the nation. With the Clemson Super Regional on the horizon, the Tigers are poised to continue their remarkable season.
