In a dominant display at Fluor Field, the No. 4 Clemson Tigers showcased their pitching prowess in a 7-0 drubbing of USC Upstate on Tuesday night. This victory marked the Tigers’ ninth consecutive win, improving their record to 11-1, while the Spartans fell to 6-5.
Clemson’s pitching staff was the highlight of the night, as five Tiger pitchers combined to execute a shutout, demonstrating their depth and skill on the mound. Starter Jacob McGovern threw 2.1 innings before handing the ball to B.J. Bailey (1-0), who not only earned the win but also pitched a career-high 4.2 innings. Bailey kept the Spartans at bay, allowing four hits while striking out a career-best six batters and issuing no walks. In contrast, USC Upstate’s Max Bianchini (2-2) took the loss after struggling to contain the explosive Clemson offense.
After a scoreless first four innings in what initially appeared to be a tightly contested game, the Tigers broke the deadlock in the fifth when Jacob Jarrell cranked a stunning 430-foot three-run homer, marking his second of the season. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum fully in favor of Clemson, as they began to flex their offensive muscle.
The eighth inning saw tension build as USC Upstate loaded the bases, threatening to spoil the shutout. However, Clemson’s Drew Titsworth rose to the occasion, striking out Jake Armsey to quell any hopes for a Spartan rally and maintain the shutout.
In the ninth inning, the Tigers launched three homers in a grand display of power hitting. Josh Paino opened the inning with a mammoth 418-foot shot, his second homer of the year. Just two batters later, Tristan Bissetta joined the party with a solo blast that also marked his second homer of the season. The onslaught didn’t stop there, as Andrew Ciufo capped off a remarkable inning with a two-run homer that traveled an astonishing 448 feet, marking his first of the season. This eruption of runs solidified the Tigers’ control over the game, showcasing not just their pitching but also an explosive offensive lineup.
Clemson’s forthcoming schedule looks promising as they prepare for a 16-game homestand. The Tigers are set to face Presbyterian on Wednesday at 4 p.m. on ACC Network Extra, and they will look to capitalize on their current momentum. This upcoming stretch presents an excellent opportunity for Clemson to build on their success and deepen their roster’s confidence as they aim for further victories in the ACC.
