After being held scoreless over the first eight innings, Virginia Tech plated two runs in the bottom of the ninth to pick up a 2-1 walk-off win over Clemson on Friday at English Field in Blacksburg, Va. The win clinches the series for the Hokies, their first series win over the Tigers since 2009.
After a Virginia Tech runner advanced from second to third on a wild pitch with one out in the bottom of the ninth, catcher Nate Savoie fired down to second trying to get the runner at first as he was attempting to take second. The Tigers had the runner in a run down, but the runner at third would ultimately come home after three back-and forth throws between first and second base. The throw home from was nowhere close to being in time.
Up until the ninth, the Clemson pitchers had limited Tech to just two singles, but the Hokies tagged closer Hayden Simmerson for three hits in the final frame. Simmerson, who took the loss (1-2) allowed two runs on three hits in 1.2 innings pitched.
After Michael Sharman pitched a scoreless first, Drew Titsworth came on in relief and held Virginia Tech scoreless over the next three innings. The veteran right-hander allowed just one hit while striking out five. Ariston Veasey followed Titsworth, throwing three hitless innings with three strikeouts.
Jarren Purify and Jack Crighton both had two-hit games, while Jacob Jarrell’s RBI single was all the offense the Tigers could muster. Purify reached base three times and stole two bases.
Clemson (30-25, 9-20) stranded a runner in scoring position in the first, then two more in the second, before finally pushing a run across in the third. After Tryston McCladdie and Nate Savoie both walked, Jarrell hit a two-out single into right, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead.
Purify reached third with one out in the fifth, but once again the Tigers left a man stranded in scoring position as Savoie and Luke Gaffney hit into outs. Crighton reached second base with two outs in the sixth, but a ground out by Bryce Clavon left him stranded.
Despite having six two-out hits, Clemson finished the day just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and just 2-for-15 with runners on.
With the loss, the Tigers have now tied a program record for most ACC losses (20) in a single season. The record was set in 2021.
Eyes On Charlotte
Knowing this series against Virginia Tech (29-22, 15-14) basically means nothing, Erik Bakich is making sure his best starter is ready to roll for the ACC Tournament, which begins on Tuesday in Charlotte. While Sharman got the start in this one, he only threw one inning, striking out two of the four hitters he faced. It is probably safe to assume the veteran lefty starts the first game for the Tigers in Charlotte. Expect something similar with Aidan Knaak in the series finale.
Up Next
Clemson concludes the regular season on Saturday when the Tigers face off against Virginia Tech one more time in Blacksburg. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. as ther Hokies go for the sweep. The game will be streamed on ACCNX.