CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson emerged victorious against South Carolina Upstate, securing a 7-3 win during Friday night’s face-off in the Clemson Regional. Cam Cannarella played a pivotal role by driving in four runs, and Dominic Listi spurred the crucial rally in the eighth inning that gave Clemson the edge they needed.
The eighth inning marked a turning point as Listi managed a single before rapidly advancing by stealing both second and third base. This setup allowed TP Wentworth’s single to bring Listi home, granting Clemson a 4-3 advantage. This lead was further solidified when Jack Crighton crossed the plate following a well-executed sacrifice bunt by Andrew Ciufo. Cannarella then added to the score with an impressive two-run home run directed to center field, pushing the score to 7-3.
Initially, South Carolina Upstate took the lead early in the second inning thanks to Johnny Sweeney’s solo home run. The Spartans continued to press with Scott Newman doubling in the fourth and subsequently scoring on Gage Griggs’ single, extending their lead to 2-0.
The fifth inning presented a critical juncture, as Upstate loaded the bases with no outs. However, Clemson’s Jacob McGovern took to the mound in relief, successfully quelling the danger by striking out two batters and inducing a flyout. McGovern delivered an impressive performance over 3 1/3 innings, striking out six of the eleven batters he encountered.
Clemson clawed back into the game in the bottom of the fifth when Cannarella’s double brought Ciufo and Wentworth home, leveling the score. Cannarella later scored himself, courtesy of a sacrifice fly by Collin Priest, pushing Clemson to a 3-2 lead.
As the game progressed, Newman’s solo home run in the eighth briefly tied the match for USC Upstate. However, Clemson’s subsequent surge in the same inning was decisive.
Clemson, positioned as the No. 1 regional seed with a 45-16 record, is set to meet No. 2 seed West Virginia in the winners’ bracket on Saturday. Meanwhile, South Carolina Upstate, the No. 4 seed holding a 36-24 record, will face off against No. 3 seed Kentucky in an elimination game. West Virginia secured their spot in the winners’ bracket after narrowly defeating Kentucky 4-3 on Friday.