CLEMSON- The moment is never too big for Jacob McGovern.

Despite the Tigers 10-7 loss to Florida in the first game of the Super Regional, the freshman from nearby Seneca, once again delivered for the Tigers, and he did it on the biggest stage of his young career.

McGovern came on to start the sixth, an inning after the Gators had put up a seven-spot to take a commanding lead, and over the next four innings, the freshman allowed just one run on three hits while striking out four. While Clemson was not able to pull off another comeback win, McGovern’s performance did at least give them the opportunity to get back in it, as well as keeping the Tigers from having to use up anymore of its bullpen in the opening game.

“Gov’s a sophomore now, school’s out,” head coach Erik Bakich said. “He’s been pitching very well and we have expanded his role. He was up over 60 pitches today and I think that might be the most he’s pitched all year. He looked good. It’s just an uncomfortable at bat when he’s in there. He’s just craft, he’s good, and he’s got a slow heartbeat.”

The four innings were a career-high for McGovern as he mostly held the Gators in check over the final four innings. Now facing elimination, the Tigers will need a similar performance from another freshman, Aidan Knaak.

“Aiden has been awesome,” Bakich said. “He has been awesome just in reference to the entire conference. First-team All-ACC pitcher. Certainly been a huge weapon for us. He was used mostly on Sunday’s through the regular season and now we have bumped him up to game two.”

Knaak has been the Tigers’ most consistent starter this season, as the freshman is 5-1 on the season with an ERA of 2.96. He has 103 strikeouts in just 79 2/3 innings and has only walked 26 hitters all season. His 1.13 WHIP is also extremely impressive.

“Just incredible poise and maturity for a freshman,” the head coach said. “Just very disciplined. Just an incredible routine. One of the most regimented kids I have seen. Just methodical with his approach. Well beyond his years and that consistency week to week has allowed him to be successful.”

Only once all season have the Tigers lost a game that Knaak has started, back in May in Winston-Salem against Wake Forest. Outside of that, the freshman has baffled hitters most of the season, and Bakich is looking for another one of those performances from Knaak on Sunday.

“He doesn’t need to do anything more or less, just be himself,” Bakich said. “Lot of threats in that lineup so he will need to locate. We had eight walks (Saturday) and we will need to cut down on those for sure because of the home run threat that they have. Just don’t want to to give up free bases. But I would expect Aidan to pitch well.”

And with Clemson facing elimination, Knaak is exactly who you want on the mound with the entire season on the line.

“Chip up and chest out,” Bakich said. “We’re still alive. And we are going to do everything in our power to even this thing up (Sunday).”

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