Clemson Baseball: Tigers Host Deacons With Hopes of Revival

EDIT: DUE TO WEATHER SATURDAY’S GAME IS NOW ON SUNDAY AS PART OF A DOUBLE HEADER

Wake Forest (13-18, 6-14) @ Clemson (15-18, 9-12)

Friday 6:00 PM ACCNX, Saturday 3:00 PM ACCNX, Sunday 1:00 PM ACCNX

Folks, it’s been a rough few weeks for our Tigers. Last week Clemson was swept by Miami on the road in a series that featured the Canes playing home run derby off of Clemson pitching in the first two games and then Miami walking off the Tigers on Sunday to get the sweep. Tuesday night Clemson played a gritty game in Athens against rival Georgia, but the Dawgs also exposed Clemson’s bullpen late with a walk off win to get the season sweep. Clemson has lost seven games in a row and is 1-7 on the year in one run games. Things haven’t been great and Clemson is on the outside looking in with regards to the NCAA tournament picture.

But there is reason for hope this weekend. Why? Well, this Wake Forest team is pretty bad. Wake is 6-14 in conference play and has won just one conference series (at Florida State in March).

Freshman Lucas Costello is one of the offensive bright spots, hitting .319 with thirty six hits on the year. Freshman Brock Wilken brings the power to the lineup, leading the team with 11 home runs.

Clemson is still looking for some consistency from the bullpen. Monte Lee gave fans some good news when he stated that Davis Sharpe has thrown some in the bullpen, but is not expected to pitch any this weekend. Clemson will trot out Mac Anglin on Friday night against Deacs righty Ryan Cusick. Saturday will feature Keyshawn Askew facing off with Wake’s Rhett Lowder, who may lay claim to some of the best hair in the league.

Wake will throw William Flemming on Sunday, and the Tigers’ starter is currently undecided.

In addition to late game struggles, the Tigers have had a bad habit of giving up the long ball lately. Clemson pitching gave up four homers to Georgia on Tuesday, and a total of eight homers during the series against Miami.

Clemson plans to allow 200-300 more fans in attendance this weekend as part of new Covid-19 restrictions. The weather on Friday and Sunday looks to be clear, high 60’s to low 70’s. Saturday should be a rainy one, so it will be interesting to see if any changes happen regarding Saturdays game.