Clemson baseball earned its third ACC series win thanks to another comeback victory Saturday.
The No. 5 Tigers won the series finale vs. No. 25 Georgia Tech, prevailing 4-3 after scoring two runs in the ninth inning capped off by Andrew Ciufo's game-winning run RBI single in Game 2 of a doubleheader.
Clemson (26-5, 6-3 ACC) won their second straight series vs. Georgia Tech (22-6, 8-4) after suffering a run-rule defeat to the Yellow Jackets in Game 1 of the doubleheader. It was also Clemson's first road series win this season.
Here's what we learned about Clemson's fifth series win this season.
Clemson baseball finds capable Sunday starter option with BJ Bailey
Bailey made his first start of the season in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader and shined. He set a career high for innings pitched (6⅔) and strikeouts (seven) and allowed only one run. The graduate senior had a few hiccups, including a balk and hit-by-pitch, but he excelled against Georgia Tech's powerful batters.
Bailey forced five flyouts and seven groundouts, including a double play in the sixth inning. His play is an encouraging sign for Clemson coach Erik Bakich and his staff after their usual Sunday starter, Justin LeGuernic, struggled in his past two Sunday starts.
LeGuernic was chased in the first inning in back-to-back weekend series vs. Notre Dame and Wake Forest. He did have a solid midweek start against Presbyterian, in which he allowed no runs in two innings, but Bailey's performance gives Bakich options heading into more conference series.
Cam Cannarella's plate discipline shines in Georgia Tech
Clemson's star player continued his strong season in the series against the Yellow Jackets. Cannarella, projected to be a first-round selection in the 2025 MLB draft, went only 2-for-8 with a double, but he recorded five walks. His walks were the most he recorded in a three-game series this season.
Cannarella's plate discipline is one of his strongest attributes, posting 28 walks this season that ranks among the top on Clemson. He is batting .324, the lowest of his career, but he still gets on base well enough to lift Clemson's hitting.
Lucas Mahlstedt showcases why he is among nation's top relievers
When the series opener was in flux in the sixth inning Friday, Bakich deployed right-hander Lucas Mahlstedt. The senior entered to log a season-high four strikeouts and allow one earned run in the final 3⅓ innings.
Malhstedt stumped Georgia Tech batters, forcing three flyouts and three groundouts and throwing 42 strikes among his 67 pitches to earn his second win. He has been a stalwart in relief with eight saves, which leads ...
