CLEMSON, S.C. – The No. 7 Clemson Tigers showcased their offensive firepower in a commanding 20-7 victory over the Winthrop Eagles on Tuesday night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The game, shortened to seven innings due to the 10-run rule, marked Clemson’s fifth consecutive win, improving their record to 7-1 on the season, while Winthrop fell to 4-4.
This offensive outburst was a historic one for the Tigers, as they scored in all six innings in which they batted, a feat achieved only eight times in program history. Their 20 runs were the most scored by Clemson since a 20-5 win over Miami on March 20, 2022. Every Clemson starter crossed home plate by the fourth inning, underscoring the team’s depth and balance at the plate.
A Game of Momentum Shifts and Offensive Fireworks
The game began with a spark from the Eagles, who capitalized on a Clemson error to score two unearned runs in the top of the first inning. Winthrop’s Koby Kropf added to the early momentum with a solo home run, giving the Eagles a 2-0 lead. However, Clemson wasted no time responding, erupting for five runs in the bottom of the first inning. The highlight of the inning was catcher Jacob Jarrell’s grand slam, his first home run of the season, which electrified the home crowd and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Clemson extended its lead in the second inning when Jarren Purify’s groundout brought home another run, making it 6-2. Winthrop managed to claw back with a run in the top of the third inning, but the Tigers answered emphatically in the bottom half. Run-scoring singles by Dominic Listi and Josh Paino fueled a four-run inning, pushing Clemson’s lead to 10-3.
The Eagles showed resilience in the fourth inning, narrowing the gap to 10-7 with a four-run rally of their own. Josh Skowronski’s two-run homer was the centerpiece of the inning, giving Winthrop a glimmer of hope. However, Clemson quickly extinguished any thoughts of a comeback with a seven-run explosion in the bottom of the fourth. Listi’s RBI single, Tryston McCladdie’s two-run double, and Cam Cannarella’s RBI triple highlighted the inning. Paino and Collin Priest capped off the offensive onslaught with back-to-back home runs, both their first as Tigers.
Clemson added two more runs in the fifth inning and a solo homer by Tristan Bissetta in the sixth, his first of the season, to round out the scoring. By the time the seventh inning rolled around, the 10-run rule was invoked, sealing the Tigers’ dominant victory.
Pitching Contributions and Key Performances
On the mound, Clemson’s bullpen played a crucial role in securing the win. Chayce Kieck earned his first career victory, pitching two innings of relief and keeping the Eagles’ offense in check. Winthrop starter Lance Wade, on the other hand, struggled against Clemson’s relentless lineup and was tagged with the loss.
Offensively, the Tigers were firing on all cylinders. Jacob Jarrell’s grand slam in the first inning set the tone, while Josh Paino and Collin Priest’s back-to-back homers in the fourth inning added to the fireworks. Paino finished the game with three RBIs, while Listi and McCladdie each contributed multiple hits and RBIs. The Tigers’ ability to spread the production across the lineup was a testament to their depth and versatility.
Implications and What’s Next
Clemson’s dominant performance against Winthrop not only extended their winning streak to five games but also demonstrated their offensive potential heading into a crucial weekend series against in-state rival South Carolina. The three-game series, set to take place at three different venues, will be a significant test for the Tigers as they look to maintain their momentum and solidify their standing as one of the top teams in the nation. The series begins Friday night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium and will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.
Final Thoughts
Clemson’s 20-7 victory over Winthrop was a statement win that showcased the Tigers’ offensive depth, resilience, and ability to capitalize on opportunities. With their bats heating up and their pitching staff providing solid support, Clemson appears poised for a strong season. As they prepare for their rivalry series against South Carolina, the Tigers will aim to build on this momentum and continue their climb up the national rankings.
