CLEMSON – It did not take long for Nate Savoie to introduce himself to nearly 6,000 partisans in No. 19 Clemson’s season-opening win at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Friday afternoon.
In his first appearance as a Tiger, Savoie notched three hits – including a double – en route to Clemson’s 3-2 victory over Army. Quickly, the left fielder showed Clemson fans why he was named the West Coast Conference’s Freshman of the Year last season at Loyola Marymount University.
And with every hit, catch, and throw, the crowd got a little louder when Savoie was due up at the plate.
“We worked really hard all fall and all winter, so to be able to be in front of the fans finally was a game changer,” Savoie said in his first meeting with Clemson media members postgame.
“The emotions were flowing. Energy was high. I think in the middle of the season, you’re trying to get your energy up at times and make sure that you’re really dialed in and focused. And today, focus is not a problem. You’re just trying to maintain a level head and not get too emotional because it’s just so exciting to be out here.”
In the eighth inning, as the Tigers (1-0) and Black Knights were tied 2-2, Savoie got one of his first chances to showcase a level head in a Clemson uniform.
First game jitters and high stakes proved not to be an issue for the Newport Beach, Calif., native.
After designated hitter Jack Crighton reached first on a leadoff single to start the eighth, Savoie headed to the plate for his fourth appearance of the evening. The sophomore took a deep breath, got in his stance, and quickly worked a 2-2 count.
With two strikes, Savoie sent a double deep into center field to send Crighton home for a go-ahead RBI – the eventual winning run.
“I’m going hard out of the box on pretty much every hit,” he said of his game-winning double. “It’s just the way that I’ve been taught to play since I was growing up.”
While Savoie’s ability to make contact at the plate is a large reason for his success, he also subtly educated Clemson fans about his defensive prowess as well. In the third inning, when Army held a 1-0 lead over the Tigers, the Black Knights were in prime position to extend their lead.
With runners on first and second base and two outs, Army first baseman Carter Hewitt sent a ball into left field that looked like a sure RBI opportunity. Instead of accepting a run, however, Savoie scooped the ball, wound up, and threw it all the way to catcher Jacob Jarrell to get out No. 3 at home plate.
Like his double, the defensive play was a prime part of the Tigers’ first ‘W’ on the schedule.
Thanks to his success on both sides of the ball, last year’s first-team All-American freshman outfielder had his pick of colleges to attend after he entered the transfer portal in May. Sure, many were closer than the 2,306-mile distance between Savoie’s hometown and Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
Still, despite the distance, Savoie knew Clemson was the place he needed to be.
“When I was deciding (on a college), my primary factor was to be around the best people that I could for the next two years — the people that were going to pour into me and that I could learn from and really grow alongside with,” he said.
“And those people were Coach Erik Bakich, the whole coaching staff, and just the people of Clemson. The environment here is amazing and I thought that I could grow to my best potential and be a big part of the Clemson baseball team this year and next year.”
Savoie will have an extended chance to play in the same environment Saturday, when the Tigers will host a doubleheader against Army to finish off the three-game series. First pitch of game No. 1 is set for noon. The final contest will begin one hour after the conclusion of the first game.