Clemson Tigers Baseball: Clemson Dominates Davidson 14-4, Secures 12th Straight Win

Andrew Ciufo of Clemson

After winning game one of the weekend series against Davidson 7-4 on Friday, the Clemson Tigers looked to keep the momentum going in game two against the Wildcats. Entering the matchup, Clemson sat at 13-1 on the season, while Davidson held a 4-8 record.

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, the game featured a battle of southpaw starters—Clemson’s Ethan Darden (2-0) and Davidson’s Isaac Fix (1-0). The Tigers took the field in their signature purple jerseys with the “Tigers” script and all-orange hats. Behind a dominant offensive performance, Clemson cruised to a 14-4 victory. Let’s dive into how the action unfolded at DKS.

Early Innings: Tigers Set the Tone

Ethan Darden wasted no time, striking out the first batter of the game and retiring the side in order.

In the bottom of the first, Dominic Listi worked a walk, followed by a Jarren Purify single to right. Cam Cannarella advanced both runners with a groundout, but the Tigers couldn’t capitalize as Collin Priest popped up and Luke Gaffney struck out to end the inning.

Darden continued his strong start in the second, allowing just one hit before ending the inning with a diving play at third by Josh Paino.

Clemson’s offense found its rhythm in the second. Paino flew out to left, but Jacob Jarrell and Jack Crighton both singled. Andrew Ciufo doubled to left, bringing home Jarrell. Listi followed with an RBI groundout, and Purify added a run-scoring single up the middle. Purify was later caught stealing to end the inning, but the Tigers took an early 3-0 lead.

Davidson Responds, Clemson Fires Back

Darden ran into some trouble in the third, walking two batters before Davidson’s Jamie Daly tripled to bring in two runs, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 3-2.

Clemson wasted no time answering. Cannarella led off with a single, and after Priest was hit by a pitch, Gaffney reached on a fielder’s choice. Paino then ripped a double down the third-base line to score Cannarella. Crighton followed with an RBI single, and Ciufo added another with a base hit through the left side. Listi capped the big inning with a sacrifice fly, pushing Clemson’s lead to 7-2.

Tigers Keep Pouring It On

Darden delivered another scoreless frame in the fourth, recording two strikeouts.

In the bottom half, Cannarella walked, and after a Priest strikeout, Gaffney joined him on base with a walk. Paino launched a three-run homer to left, extending Clemson’s lead to 10-2. Crighton nearly added more with a deep drive to center, but Davidson’s outfielder made a great catch at the wall.

Darden wrapped up his outing with a clean fifth inning, finishing with a line of 5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 3 BB, and 5 K.

Purify led off the fifth with a solo homer—his third hit of the day and third home run of the season. Crighton later drove in two more with a base hit up the middle, making it a 13-2 game heading into the sixth.

Closing It Out

Nathan Dvorsky took over for Darden in the sixth and retired two batters before surrendering a solo home run to Jack Cotrone.

Clemson went to their bench in the bottom half, with TP Wentworth, Tristan Bissetta, and Tryston McCladdie all getting at-bats.

Dvorsky returned for the seventh, striking out two but allowing another solo shot, this time to Davidson’s Gavin Thomas.

In the bottom of the seventh, Hideki Prather singled, Jay Dillard walked, and Paino collected his fourth hit of the day. With the bases loaded, Ty Marshall sealed the run-rule victory with a sacrifice fly to right, giving Clemson the 14-4 win.

Final Thoughts

This dominant win marked Clemson’s 12th straight victory and head coach Erik Bakich’s 500th career win. Ethan Darden improved to 3-0 on the season, and the Tigers’ offense continued to shine.

Clemson Tigers Baseball will look to complete the sweep in game three on Sunday at 2 p.m. Fans unable to attend can catch the action on ACC Network Extra.