The Clemson baseball team continued their hot streak with a dominant 14-4 victory over the Davidson Wildcats at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on March 8, 2025. Clemson’s 12th straight win and improving their record to 14-1. The Tigers’ offensive firepower and solid pitching proved too much for Davidson, who struggled to contain the home team’s relentless attack.
After a scoreless first inning, Clemson’s offense ignited in the second with an RBI double from Andrew Ciufo and a groundout that brought in another run. Jarren Purify added an RBI single to extend the Tigers’ lead to 3-0. Davidson answered in the third with a two-run triple by Jamie Daly, cutting the deficit to 3-2
Clemson responded quickly in the third inning. Center fielder Cam Cannarella started things off with a single, and designated hitter Collin Priest was hit by a pitch shortly after. A fielder’s choice moved the runners along, and third baseman Josh Paino hit a double down the third-base line, bringing Cannarella home. Crighton and Ciufo followed up with RBI singles, increasing the Tigers’ lead to 7-2.
The fourth inning brought more excitement for Clemson. Cannarella and Priest got on base, setting up Paino, who hit a three-run homer to left field, extending the lead to 10-2
Purify showcased his power in the fifth with a solo home run to left-center. Later in the inning, Crighton singled up the middle, driving in two more runs and making it 13-2.
Davidson’s offense showed signs of life in the sixth and seventh innings. Shortstop Jack Cotrone hit a solo homer in the sixth, and left fielder Chris Schuchart added another solo shot in the seventh. However, these efforts were insufficient to overcome Clemson’s substantial lead.
In the bottom of the seventh, Clemson tacked on one more run. Pinch hitter Hideki Prather got a single, moved up on a walk, and ultimately scored on a sacrifice fly by catcher Ty Marshall, making the score 14-4.
Clemson’s starting pitcher, Ethan Darden, delivered a solid performance, pitching five innings, allowing two runs on two hits, walking three, and striking out five. He earned the win, improving his record to 3-0. Reliever Nathan Dvorsky pitched two innings, giving up two runs on two hits with four strikeouts.
Davidson’s starter, Isaac Fix, struggled against Clemson’s offense, lasting 2.2 innings and surrendering seven runs on nine hits. He took the loss, dropping his record to 1-1.
With this win, Clemson secured the series against Davidson. The Tigers will strive for a series sweep in the final game, set for Sunday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Davidson, currently 4-9 for the season, will seek to bounce back and build some momentum as they move forward in their schedule.
Clemson’s strong showing highlights their offensive depth and pitching prowess, making them a serious contender this season. As they progress in their campaign, keeping up this level of performance will be essential for ongoing success.
Also Erik Bakich reached a remarkable milestone in his 16th year as a head coach, earning his 500th career win. After three years at Maryland, ten years at Michigan, and now in his third year at Clemson, he continues to solidify his legacy in collegiate baseball.
