The Clemson Tigers, ranked No. 2 in the nation, faced a tough challenge at Doak Field on Saturday afternoon, falling 4-1 to No. 25 NC State. The defeat capped a three-game sweep by the Wolfpack and marked a rare setback for the Tigers, who dropped to 36-10 overall and 13-8 in ACC play. Meanwhile, NC State improved to 30-12 and 15-6 in the conference, extending their winning streak to seven games.
A Promising Start Falls Short
Clemson started the game with signs of promise. In the first inning, Jarren Purify lifted a solo home run over the wall, his fourth of the season, giving the Tigers an early 1-0 lead. Collin Priest followed with a perfectly executed bunt single, pushing his hitting streak to 11 games and showcasing the Tigers’ versatility at the plate. However, Clemson’s offense was unable to sustain its momentum as the game progressed.
NC State responded quickly in the second inning. Ryan Jaros managed an infield single with two outs, driving in the tying run. This play set the tone for the Wolfpack’s approach, emphasizing situational hitting and capitalizing on opportunities.
A Decisive Blow
The game’s defining moment came in the sixth inning. With the score knotted at 1-1, NC State’s Alex Sosa delivered a crushing two-run homer with two outs. The blast turned the tide firmly in favor of the Wolfpack, energizing the home crowd and putting Clemson on the defensive. Justin DeCriscio’s sacrifice fly in the eighth inning added an insurance run, pushing the lead to 4-1.
Pitching Struggles and Bright Spots
For Clemson, starter B.J. Bailey (2-2) turned in a solid performance but ultimately took the loss. Bailey worked 6.1 innings, allowing six hits and three earned runs while striking out four batters and issuing no walks. Despite his efforts, the Tigers’ bats struggled to generate run support against a locked-in NC State pitching staff.
The Wolfpack’s Ryan Marohn (6-2) was outstanding on the mound, holding Clemson to one run over eight innings. Marohn allowed just five hits, walked two, and struck out five, demonstrating excellent command and poise. Jacob Dudan sealed the win in the ninth, earning his fifth save of the season with a clean inning.
What This Means for Clemson
This series sweep is a setback for the Tigers, who have been a dominant force throughout much of the season. The team’s high-powered offense, which has often overwhelmed opponents, was stymied by NC State’s pitching and timely defensive plays. The loss highlights areas for improvement, particularly in situational hitting and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Clemson remains one of the top teams in college baseball. The Tigers will have five days to regroup before traveling to Tallahassee for a three-game series against Florida State, beginning Friday at 6 p.m. The series will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.
The Road Ahead
Clemson’s response to this setback will be critical as the season progresses. With the ACC tournament approaching, the Tigers will need to refine their approach and maintain focus to ensure a strong finish. The Florida State series presents an opportunity to rebound and regain momentum against a conference rival.
For NC State, the series sweep is a statement of their capabilities. The Wolfpack’s combination of clutch hitting and dominant pitching positions them as a formidable contender in the ACC. Their seven-game winning streak underscores their confidence and ability to compete with the best teams in the nation.
While the series against NC State did not go as planned for Clemson, it serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in ACC play. The Tigers have the talent and resilience to bounce back, but adjustments will be necessary. As the season continues, all eyes will be on Clemson to see how they respond and whether they can reclaim their winning form.
