CLEMSON — The Cardiac Cats are back as No. 7 Clemson rallied from a six-run deficit to come back and beat No. 11 Wake Forest 7-6 in walk-off fashion on Sunday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The victory gives Erik Bakich his first series win over the Demon Deacons since taking over as head coach.

Tryston McCladdie scored from third on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth to give the Tigers the win.

McLaddie led off the inning with a walk, stole second, then moved to third on a fielder’s choice by Josh Paino.

Dominic Listi went 3-for-4 with three RBI and Cam Cannarella went 2-for-4 with and drove in two runs to lead the way at the plate.

Lucas Malhstedt pitched the final three innings in picking up his first win of the season, holding Wake Forest (19-6, 7-2) scoreless while allowing two hits and striking out three.

Justin LeGuernic got the start for Clemson (22-3, 4-2 ACC) and faced just five batters, allowing three runs on two hits. Drew Tittsworth would relieve LeGuernic with two outs in the top of the first, but he also would allow three runs on two hits, while facing just six hitters.

For the second consecutive day, Wake jumped on the Tigers early. After LeGuernic issued a leadoff walk to start the game, Marek Houston singled down the third base line, a ball that  was misplayed by Josh Paino. LeGuernic retired the next two hitters and was one pitch away from getting out of the inning. Then Josh Preisano hit a 2-2 pitch out for a three-run homer, giving the Deacs the 3-0 lead and ending LeGuernic’s day.

Drew Tittsworth didn’t fare much better in relief of LeGuernic, as Wake Forest quickly loaded the bases in the top of the second. Tittsworth hit a batter, then walked another before allowing a run-scoring single and a sacrifice fly.

BJ Bailey then came on with one out in the third and after giving up an RBI single, struck out the next two hitters. But the damage was done, and the Deacs were up 6-0 after the top of the second was complete.

The Tigers were able to get on the board in the bottom of the second. McCladdie worked a leadoff walk and moved to third after a sacrifice fly and a fielder’s choice. He would then come home on a two-out double by Dominic Listi.

Clemson would inch closer in the bottom of the sixth. Luke Gaffney walked to start the frame and moved to second on a wild pitch. A single by McCladdie put runners on the corners with one out. McCladdie then stole second, his fourth steal of the season and Listi would drive both in on a seeing-eye single into right, making it 6-3 Wake.

The Tigers would finally tie it up in the eighth. With two outs and runners on second and third, Cam Cannarella laced a single into right, scoring one run. The throw came home and the catcher could not handle it, allowing the second runner to score and pull Clemson to within a run.

Gaffney then ripped a single through the left side, plating Cannarella and tying the game at 6-6.

Too Many Free 90s

After walking six hitters in Saturday’s loss, Clemson pitchers walked a season-high nine more on Sunday. They also hit two more, giving the Deacs 11 free passes. Every pitcher that threw had at least one walk.

Lack of the Clutch Hits

The Tigers once again had issues delivering the big hit when needed. After going just 3-of-15 with runners in scoring position in Saturday’s loss, the team was not much better on Sunday, finishing 4-of-16 and leaving 10 runners stranded on base through the first seven innings.

The Tigers also got the leadoff man aboard six times in this one but struggled to take advantage of the opportunities before the final two innings.

Up Next

Clemson will host Coastal Carolina on Tuesday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. First pitch is at 6 p.m. and the game will be streamed on ACCNX.