In a tightly contested matchup at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Jack Crighton’s first career home run, a three-run shot in the seventh inning, powered No. 2 Clemson to a 7-6 victory over No. 17 Louisville on Thursday night. The win improved the Tigers’ record to 34-6 overall and 12-4 in the ACC, while the Cardinals fell to 27-10 and 9-7 in conference play.
The game opened with a turbulent first inning for Clemson, as two defensive errors led to three unearned runs for Louisville. A mishandled double-play opportunity proved especially costly, allowing the Cardinals to seize an early advantage. However, the Tigers quickly responded in the bottom of the first with a three-run homer from Collin Priest, his eighth of the season, leveling the score at 3-3.
Louisville reclaimed the lead in the second inning, scoring twice to make it 5-3. Clemson managed to narrow the gap in the fourth inning when a wild pitch allowed a run to cross the plate, bringing the score to 5-4.
The crucial moment came in the seventh inning. With one out, Jarren Purify reached base on an error, followed by a two-out walk to Jacob Jarrell. Facing a 1-0 count, Crighton delivered a decisive blow, launching a three-run homer over the center-field fence in his 100th career game. This put the Tigers ahead 7-5.
Louisville responded with an unearned run in the eighth inning, cutting the deficit to 7-6. However, Clemson’s bullpen held firm. Jacob McGovern (2-0) secured the win with a perfect seventh inning in relief, while Lucas Mahlstedt recorded his 13th save of the season, navigating 1.2 innings without allowing the Cardinals to draw even. Wyatt Danilowicz (0-1) took the loss for Louisville.
As the series continues Friday at 5 p.m. on ACC Network Extra, both teams will look to adjust and capitalize on their strengths in what promises to be another closely fought contest.
