Clemson Scores 11 Unanswered Runs to Sweep Davidson for 13th Straight Win

Cam Cannarella jacked his first home run of the season, in Clemson's 11-4 win over Davidson. (Photo By Charles Mays/Tigers View Media)

The Clemson Tigers faced off against the Davidson Wildcats in the final game of this three-game set, looking for the sweep. Clemson was able to battle back from a 4-0 deficit and win 11-4. Cam Cannarella's three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning gave the Tigers a 5-4 lead, which was enough to complete the sweep. Clemson improves to 15-1 on the season, while Davidson falls to 4-10. Reed Garris picked up the win for Clemson, his first of the season. Brycen Champey took the loss for Davidson after surrendering four runs in 0.2 innings pitched.

Strong Start for Both Pitching Staffs

Justin LeGuernic and Jacob Vokal got off to hot starts in this one, as the score remained tied at zero heading into the top of the third. Davidson's starting pitcher, Jacob Vokal, held the Tigers hitless through two innings, allowing two walks while striking out one batter. LeGuernic found himself in a couple of jams in the first and second innings but escaped trouble with his four strikeouts. After scoring a combined 21 runs through the first two games, the Clemson offense struggled to jump-start its bats in the final game of this series.

Davidson Takes the Lead in the Third

Justin LeGuernic started the inning off strong, getting two quick outs until Michael O'Shaughnessy's single sparked a three-run inning for the Wildcats. After allowing the single, the Tigers' sophomore starter began to lose control, plunking Eli Putnam and walking Jack Cotrone to load the bases for Scotty Edwards with two away. LeGuernic then hit Edwards with a pitch, bringing home O'Shaughnessy and giving Davidson a one-run lead. But the Wildcats weren’t done there, as Chris Schuchart slapped a base hit up the middle to extend Davidson’s lead to 3-0 heading into the bottom of the third.

Davidson Extends Lead in the Fourth

After struggling with his control in the third inning, Erik Bakich pulled Justin LeGuernic and turned to his reliable reliever, Drew Titsworth. The Michigan native got two quick outs before the dangerous Cider Canon stepped up to the plate. The Wildcats’ center fielder drilled the 0-1 pitch from Titsworth into the left-field seats, giving Davidson a four-run lead heading into the bottom half of the inning.

Clemson Fights Back in the Sixth

The Tigers finally got on the board in the bottom of the sixth as the Wildcats' pitching lost control. The inning started with Cam Cannarella and Josh Paino singling into left field to get the rally going for Clemson. Priest followed up with a walk to load the bases for Jacob Jarrell, who already had a grand slam this season. The Tigers' catcher didn’t go deep this time, but Clemson scored its first run of the game on his groundout fielder’s choice. The Tigers weren’t done yet, as Davidson’s pitchers continued to struggle with command, walking Tristan Bissetta and Jack Crighton to make it a 4-2 ballgame heading into the seventh inning.

Eight-Run Inning for Clemson Blows Game Open

The Tigers were still trailing 4-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh, looking for a spark to ignite their offense. Dominic Listi started the inning the way he does best—reaching base on a four-pitch walk—while Jarren Purify was hit by a pitch, bringing up Clemson’s superstar, Cam Cannarella. The South Carolina native had yet to have his big moment this season but delivered in a massive way, crushing a three-run home run off the top of the wall to give Clemson a 5-4 lead. Tristan Bissetta followed up with a sacrifice fly to extend Clemson’s lead to two runs. But the Tigers weren’t done yet, as a bases-clearing double by Dominic Listi and an RBI single from Jarren Purify gave Clemson a commanding 10-4 lead heading into the top of the eighth. Clemson added an 11th run in the bottom of the eighth after Tristan Bissetta’s sac fly put the Tigers up 11-4.

Takeaways

Cam Cannarella – After struggling to find his rhythm for most of the season, the Tigers’ superstar came through when it mattered most. The South Carolina native showcased why he’s one of the top college prospects for the upcoming 2025 MLB Draft in July. His three-run home run was the spark Clemson’s offense needed, as the Tigers went on to score five more runs to put the Wildcats away.

Bullpen – After Justin LeGuernic allowed three runs in as many innings, the Clemson bullpen stepped up and shut the door on Davidson. Drew Titsworth pitched three strong innings, allowing just one run on one hit while striking out six batters. Reed Garris followed with two strong innings of his own, picking up the win after allowing just one hit and striking out one batter. Chayce Kieck pitched a scoreless inning to close out the game.

Up Next

Clemson will take on Liberty at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, March 11, at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.