The No. 4 Clemson Tigers showed why they’ve been one of the most dominant teams in college baseball this season, riding a stellar outing from sophomore pitcher Aidan Knaak to a 5-1 victory over No. 11 Wake Forest. The win not only gave Clemson a 1-0 lead in the weekend series but also showcased the Tigers’ ability to rise to the occasion against a high-powered opponent.
Knaak was nothing short of sensational, throwing six innings of two-hit ball while striking out 10 batters. Facing a Wake Forest lineup that ranked fourth nationally in runs per game (10.2), Knaak silenced their bats with a mix of pinpoint control and devastating off-speed pitches. The win improved Knaak to 4-0 on the year and further cemented his role as one of the Tigers’ most reliable arms.
“It was a great win for us tonight. Aidan Knaak pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run, and the first inning really set the tone. We took advantage of some walks, got timely hits, and played solid defense to capitalize against a very good Wake Forest team with power arms,”
Clemson head coach Erik Bakich
Now 22-2 on the season and 3-1 in ACC play, Clemson continues to impress, blending dominant pitching with timely hitting to overwhelm opponents. The Tigers jumped on Wake Forest starter Logan Lunceford early, plating four runs in the first inning and never looking back. The Demon Deacons, who fell to 18-5 overall and 6-1 in the ACC, will have their work cut out for them if they hope to even the series on Saturday afternoon.
Aidan Knaak Delivers a Masterclass on the Mound
Pitching against one of the most dangerous lineups in the country, Knaak delivered a performance that will be remembered for quite some time. From the first pitch, he exuded confidence, attacking the strike zone and keeping the Demon Deacons off balance. His fastball had plenty of life, and his breaking ball kept Wake Forest hitters guessing all night.
Knaak’s command was particularly impressive, as he allowed just two hits and two walks over his six innings of work. His lone blemish came in the sixth inning when Wake Forest’s Kade Lewis launched a solo home run to put the Demon Deacons on the board. By that point, however, the Tigers had already built a commanding lead, and Knaak exited to a roar of approval from the Clemson faithful.
Once Knaak turned the game over to the bullpen, senior right-hander Lucas Mahlstedt took care of the rest. Mahlstedt, who entered in the eighth inning with a pair of runners on, induced a key double play to escape the jam and went on to shut the door for his eighth save of the season.
Knaak shared his thoughts on the early offense and the impact of his team’s defense, stating, “The four runs in the first inning gave me a lot of confidence, but what really stood out was the defense. Guys like Andrew Cuifo making a diving play into the bench and Paino on the line drive in the first inning—it was awesome to have them behind me making those plays.”
Aidan Knaak
Tigers Jump on Lunceford Early
If there’s one thing this Clemson lineup has proven this season, it’s that they can make opponents pay for mistakes. Wake Forest’s Logan Lunceford learned that lesson the hard way in the first inning, as the Tigers capitalized on his shaky command to build an early lead.
Lunceford issued three consecutive walks to start the game, loading the bases with no outs. Collin Priest made him pay with a sacrifice fly to give Clemson a 1-0 lead. Moments later, Luke Gaffney came through with a clutch two-run single, pushing the lead to 3-0. Tryston McCladdie capped the rally with a two-out double, scoring Gaffney to make it 4-0.
The Tigers added another run in the fourth inning when Dominic Listi lifted a sacrifice fly to score McCladdie, extending the lead to 5-0. While Clemson didn’t score again after the fourth, the early outburst was more than enough to secure the win.
Lewis’ Homer Lone Highlight for Wake Forest
For Wake Forest, Friday’s game was a rare off night for a team that has been among the best in the country this season. The Demon Deacons managed just three hits in the game, with their only run coming on Kade Lewis’ solo homer in the sixth inning. The blast, Lewis’ fourth of the year, was a no-doubter to left field, but it was ultimately too little, too late for Wake Forest.
Lunceford, who suffered his first loss of the season, struggled to find his rhythm on the mound. The sophomore lasted just five innings, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out six. While the Demon Deacons’ bullpen kept Clemson off the scoreboard over the final four innings, the damage was already done.
What Clemson Needs to Do to Win the Series
As Clemson heads into the next games of the series, maintaining momentum will be crucial. The Tigers must focus on consistent offensive production to continue capitalizing on any mistakes made by Wake Forest pitchers. Building early leads, as they did in the first game, will put pressure on the Demon Deacons and allow their pitching staff to operate with confidence.
Defensively, Clemson needs to remain sharp, as the Wake Forest lineup is capable of explosive offensive performances. Continued support from the infield and outfield will be essential, especially when facing hitters who can turn a game around with a single swing.
Additionally, the Tigers should look to leverage their bullpen depth, ensuring fresh arms are ready to come in at critical moments. With a strong showing from both their starters and relievers, Clemson can effectively manage any late-game situations.
Finally, maintaining focus and composure will be key for Clemson. They should stick to their game plan, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and take advantage of each opportunity presented during the remainder of the series. If they can execute these strategies, Clemson will be well-positioned to secure the series victory.
What’s Next for the Tigers
Saturday’s game, set for a 2 p.m. first pitch, will be another test for Clemson as they try to keep their momentum rolling. The Tigers know they’ll be facing a determined Wake Forest team eager to bounce back, but with the way this Clemson squad is playing, confidence is sky-high.
If Friday night was any indication, the Tigers are ready for the challenge.
