In a clash that embodied the intensity of one of college baseball’s fiercest rivalries, No. 7 Clemson baseball stamped its authority over South Carolina with an emphatic 8-2 victory at Founders Park on Sunday, completing a series sweep. Behind dominant pitching performances from Justin LeGuernic and Joe Allen, as well as late offensive fireworks, the Tigers not only extended their winning streak to eight games but also improved their record to 10-1. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks, reeling from a weekend to forget, dropped to 9-3.
From pitching duels to clutch hitting, the series finale was a microcosm of Clemson’s overall superiority throughout the weekend. The Tigers’ consistent ability to shut down South Carolina’s bats, combined with timely offense, highlighted why they are considered one of the top teams in the nation.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team and the way we played this weekend, especially with the chance to get the sweep and put an exclamation mark on the rivalry. So many clutch moments stood out, like Colin Priest’s three-run homer, Cam’s two-run single in the ninth, and Joe Allen’s incredible relief pitching. It’s a big win for the Clemson family and Tiger Nation, and I’m happy we took care of business.”
Head Coach Erik Bakich
Pitching Dominance Sets the Tone
Justin LeGuernic set the stage early for Clemson with a commanding performance on the mound. In his four innings of work, the left-hander allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out six batters, tying his career high. LeGuernic’s ability to locate his pitches and work out of tight spots kept the Gamecocks off balance, silencing a lineup that had been productive in earlier matchups this season.
However, it was Joe Allen who truly stole the spotlight. Coming on in relief, Allen pitched three hitless innings, striking out six to match his own career high. With a mix of precision and poise, Allen neutralized any hopes of a South Carolina comeback. His performance not only earned him his second win of the season (2-0) but also underscored the depth of Clemson’s bullpen, a factor that could prove crucial as the season progresses.
“Yeah, it’s just the cutter. All credit goes to Belly[Jimmy Belanger]—he worked through my arsenal and identified what I needed. He noticed a deficiency and thought it was something I could execute easily. All credit to him for giving me confidence in it every pitch. Honestly, about two or three weeks before the season, he helped me with the grip and just fed me with confidence.”
Joe Allen
South Carolina starter Dylan Eskew was a bright spot for the Gamecocks early on. Over six innings, Eskew struck out seven and limited Clemson to just one run, but his inability to consistently find the strike zone—four walks in total—eventually came back to haunt him.
Offensive Sparks in Crucial Moments
For much of the game, the contest remained a pitching duel, with neither team able to gain significant traction offensively. That changed in the fifth inning when Jarren Purify delivered a run-scoring single to put Clemson on the board. This moment of small-ball offense epitomized the Tigers’ patient approach, as they capitalized on their limited opportunities against Eskew.
The turning point came in the eighth inning when Clemson’s offense erupted. After Dominic Listi extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a single, Collin Priest stepped up in a pivotal two-out situation and crushed a three-run homer to left field. The blast, Priest’s second of the season, gave the Tigers a commanding 4-0 lead and effectively broke the spirit of the home crowd.
“Good things happen when we get a lot of hits and keep it going. Our pitching really kept us in the game all weekend—today, yesterday, and Friday. We played a high-quality SEC team, and every game was close, but it was a hard-fought win each day.”
Collin Priest
Although South Carolina managed to scratch across two runs in the bottom of the eighth, Clemson responded emphatically in the ninth. A four-run rally, highlighted by Cam Cannarella’s two-run single, extinguished any lingering hopes for the Gamecocks. Cannarella’s clutch hitting, along with Clemson’s overall ability to pile on runs late in games, has been a defining trait during their eight-game winning streak.
Series Standouts: The Bob Bradley Award Winner
Ethan Darden’s contributions in Saturday’s contest earned him the Bob Bradley Award as Clemson’s series MVP. The left-hander delivered seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball in Game 2, showcasing the Tigers’ starting rotation’s depth and dominance. Darden’s ability to command the strike zone and work efficiently through the lineup set the tone for the series and further solidified Clemson’s status as a powerhouse.
Implications for Clemson Programs
Clemson’s series sweep of South Carolina serves as a statement to the college baseball world. With a 10-1 record and a deep, balanced roster, the Tigers are emerging as a serious contender for postseason success. The combination of a reliable starting rotation, a dominant bullpen, and timely hitting makes them a formidable opponent. Their current eight-game win streak reflects a team hitting its stride early in the season, and their upcoming game against USC Upstate offers another opportunity to maintain momentum.
Looking Ahead
Clemson will look to extend its winning streak to nine games on Tuesday when they face USC Upstate at Fluor Field in Greenville, S.C. The Tigers, designated as the visiting team, will aim to continue their early-season dominance and further solidify their position in the national rankings. With a roster firing on all cylinders, Clemson appears poised to sustain its momentum into the heart of the season.
As the dust settles on an exhilarating weekend, one thing is certain—Clemson’s dominance over South Carolina has set the tone for what could be a special season for the Tigers. With pitching depth, clutch hitting, and unrelenting confidence, Clemson has established itself as a team to watch in 2025.
