Clemson takes down Notre Dame behind Aidan Knaak's career-high strikeout performance
Clemson extended its winning streak to 16 games behind a dominant performance from Aidan Knaak, defeating Notre Dame 2-1 on Friday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The fourth-ranked Tigers (18-1, 1-0 ACC) opened conference play with a strong showing on the mound, while the Fighting Irish (10-5, 0-4 ACC) struggled to generate offense.
Knaak (3-0) was nearly untouchable, setting a career high with 12 strikeouts while allowing just one hit and one walk over seven scoreless innings. He retired the final 13 batters he faced, keeping Notre Dame off balance throughout the afternoon. Lucas Mahlstedt closed out the game with 1.2 scoreless innings to notch his sixth save of the season.
Clemson got on the board early when Josh Paino’s infield single drove in Jarren Purify in the first inning. In the fourth, Paino battled through a 10-pitch walk before scoring on a two-out single from Jacob Jarrell, providing the Tigers with a crucial insurance run.
How to watch Clemson vs Louisville today: Time, TV channel for ACC Tournament semifinal https://t.co/MWAD2BcpZHpic.twitter.com/ieblGrIXU3
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) March 14, 2025
Notre Dame starter Jack Radel (1-2) took the loss despite a solid outing, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits over five innings. The Irish managed just five hits in the game but pushed across a run in the eighth to keep things close.
Clemson will look to clinch the series on Saturday, with first pitch set for 3 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Aidan Knaak's career day lifts Clemson past Notre Dame
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