Titsworth Shines as Clemson Clinches Series Over Louisville

Drew Titsworth (99) (Photo By: Ken Ruinard - staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The Clemson Tigers and Louisville Cardinals met for game two of their three-game series Friday evening at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. After a hard-fought 7-6 win in Thursday’s opener, the Tigers followed it up with a strong showing in game two to secure the series.

In a change from their usual approach, Clemson turned to right-hander Drew Titsworth for the start. Typically a bullpen arm, Titsworth delivered a gem in his first start of the season. He matched up against Louisville’s Ethan Eberle, and both pitchers kept the offenses in check early.

The game remained scoreless through four innings as both pitchers leaned on soft contact and groundouts to stay efficient. Eberle carried a no-hitter into the fifth, but Jacob Jarrell ended that with authority, launching a solo home run to left field to give Clemson a 1-0 lead. After two quick outs, Luke Gaffney and Andrew Ciufo strung together back-to-back singles, forcing Louisville to go to the bullpen. Eberle exited after 4.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits with three strikeouts.

Titsworth continued his dominance in the sixth, giving up just a two-out double to Zion Rose before ending the inning with a groundout. His final line: six scoreless innings, three hits allowed, no walks, and three strikeouts — an outstanding debut in the starting role.

In the bottom of the seventh, Clemson added insurance. Josh Paino reached base and was driven in by a Luke Gaffney RBI double, stretching the Tigers’ lead to 2-0. The Cardinals made a late push in the ninth when Jake Munroe launched a two-out solo home run to cut the lead in half. But Lucas Mahlstedt settled in and struck out Eddie King Jr. to close the door on a 2-1 Clemson win.

Friday’s victory was all about pitching and poise. Drew Titsworth gave Clemson exactly what it needed and more, stepping into the starting role with confidence and command. His outing, paired with solid relief and timely hits, sealed the series for the Tigers. As they head into Saturday’s finale at 1 PM EDT on ACCNX, Clemson will look to carry the momentum and complete the sweep at home.