Sophomore right-handed pitcher Aidan Knaak was named ACC Pitcher-of-the-Week for the fourth time in his career and the second time in the 2025 season. This recognition came after his dominant outing in Clemson’s 6-1 victory at Pittsburgh, where he pitched 7.1 innings and struck out 12 batters, tying his career high. Knaak’s performance was instrumental in Clemson’s first no-hitter in 16 years, a combined effort finished by relievers Joe Allen and Lucas Mahlstedt. His 12th strikeout also marked a milestone, making him the first ACC pitcher to reach 100 strikeouts during the 2025 season.
Knaak’s season has been marked by consistent excellence. Through 14 starts, he holds an 8-1 record with a 4.25 ERA and a .208 opponents’ batting average. He has struck out 100 batters while issuing just 28 walks over 78.1 innings pitched. His ability to rack up strikeouts at an impressive rate has been a key factor in Clemson’s success, as the Tigers have posted a strong record in games he has started.
This latest honor places Knaak among Clemson’s elite pitchers, as he became only the second Tiger in program history to earn ACC Pitcher-of-the-Week honors four times, joining Kris Benson, who earned six. The no-hitter itself was a significant achievement for the program, marking the 15th in Clemson history, the third in an ACC game, and the first in an ACC road game. It was also the first nine-inning no-hitter in an ACC contest since 2021.
Knaak’s performance came at a crucial time as Clemson looked to build momentum heading into postseason play. The Tigers concluded the regular season with a 41-15 overall record and 16-12 in ACC play, finishing strong with a series sweep at Pittsburgh.
Looking ahead, Clemson is set to begin its run in the 2025 ACC Tournament on Wednesday, May 21. As the No. 5 seed, the Tigers will face the winner of the Virginia Tech vs. Stanford first-round game at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will be broadcast on the ACC Network. Clemson’s pitching staff, led by Knaak, will be a critical component as the team aims to make a deep run in the single-elimination tournament format that features all 16 ACC teams this year.
Knaak’s continued dominance on the mound and his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations will be vital for Clemson’s postseason aspirations. His ACC Pitcher-of-the-Week honor underscores his role as one of the conference’s premier pitchers and a leader for the Tigers as they pursue another ACC championship.
