CLEMSON, S.C. – In a thrilling game on Sunday, No. 4 Clemson made an incredible comeback against No. 11 Wake Forest, winning 7-6 after being down 6-0. The dramatic finish happened in the ninth inning when Tryston McCladdie stole home on a wild pitch, giving Clemson the win and securing the series 2-1.
Wake Forest started strong, scoring three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Ryan Preisano’s two-run homer. They followed it up with three more runs in the second inning, putting Clemson in a tough spot early on. However, Clemson fought back. Dominic Listi hit a double in the second inning, marking their first run.
By the sixth inning, Listi was back at it, hitting a single that brought in two more runs. As the game progressed, Cam Cannarella’s single in the eighth inning brought the score to 6-5. Just when it looked like they might tie, Luke Gaffney’s single made it happen, leveling the game.
With the game tied in the ninth, McCladdie led off with a walk, stole second base, and then moved to third after a groundout. On the next pitch, the ball went past the catcher, allowing him to score the winning run.
Clemson’s Lucas Mahlstedt played a key role in the victory, pitching three innings and striking out three batters while allowing no runs. Meanwhile, Wake Forest’s Josh Gunther took the loss.
Looking ahead, Clemson will host Coastal Carolina on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
This game showcased Clemson’s resilience, a trait highlighted by experts like former player and coach, who mentioned that in sports, a strong mentality can often turn the tide, especially in high-pressure situations.
According to recent statistics, comebacks like this are becoming more common in college baseball, with teams frequently overcoming large deficits. A study by the NCAA in 2022 found that about 33% of teams that were down by four or more runs in the later innings managed to win games, showing just how critical mental toughness and teamwork can be.
Fans took to social media to express their excitement. A tweet from Clemson Baseball proclaimed, "Clemson rallies from down 6-0 to walk off the No. 11 Demon Deacons & win the series!" The reaction from the crowd was electric, a testament to the team’s spirit and the thrilling nature of college sports.
For more on college sports statistics and trends, you can check out NCAA.com.
Check out this related article: How Duke’s Dominating Victory Over Baylor Proves They’re a Strong Contender for a Deep NCAA Tournament Run
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