Erik Bakich has tweaked his starting rotation ahead of No. 2 Clemson’s ACC series against No. 12 Wake Forest.

Ethan Darden is set to get the start in the series opener on Friday, while Tristan Smith will move back a day and start on Saturday. Freshman Aidan Knaak will remain in his normal spot in the rotation and go on Sunday.

Darden was the Tigers’ Friday starter for much of last season, but has been the Saturday starter for much of this season. The left-hander is 5-2 and sports an ERA of 4.11 and a WHIP of 1.26.

Smith had been phenomenal for much of the season, before an injury sidelined him for more than month. Since his return from injury on April 19, he has failed to pitch more than three innings and has struggled with command. Over his past three starts he has nine walks and has hit three batters. Smith still has a more than respectable ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.43.

Knaak has been a model of consistency during his first season with the program. Clemson has yet to lose a game that he has started, as the freshman is 4-0 with a 2.57 ERA and a WHIP of 1.01. He has 82 strike outs in 63 innings pitched.

The Tigers head to Winston-Salem looking to avenge a sweep at the hands of the Demon Deacons last season at Doug Kingsmore. Clemson would go on to win its next 16 games after that sweep, earning a national seed. Their next loss would not come until regional play. The Tigers have lost just one weekend series since.

The two teams will face off in the series opener on Friday. First pitch is at 6pm and the game will be streamed on ACCNX.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!