Clemson’s Season Ends In Dramatic Super Regional

By: Seth Waithe

Clemson never got comfortable in this super regional, and that continued in the 13th inning. Ethan Darden allows two singles, gets an out, intentionally walks a batter and then allows a walk-off, 2-run single to No. 9 hitter Michael Robertson to end the season in a 10-11 loss to Florida. The defeat marks Clemson’s 15th consecutive year without an appearance in the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

After winning Game 1, 10-7, on Saturday, Florida withstood a valiant comeback effort from Clemson, who were seeking their 26th comeback win of the season. The Tigers, led by coach Erik Bakich, were the No. 6 national seed and had captured their first regional title since 2010 just last weekend.

The Tigers’ season, finishing with a 44-16 record, came to an emotional end in an instant classic that lasted over five hours and saw both coach Bakich and special assistant Jack Leggett ejected in the top of the 13th inning. Clemson looked poised to pull off the extra-innings victory when Alden Mathes hit a solo home run to put them ahead 10-9. However, following a bat slam from Mathes, the umpires conferred and discussions led to Leggett’s ejection after he left the dugout. Moments later, Bakich was also thrown out for his role in an earlier altercation that delayed the game for 18 minutes.

Florida capitalized on the chaos, loading the bases and ultimately securing the win with a walk-off RBI double by center fielder Michael Robertson that brought home two runs in the bottom of the 13th.

Due to his ejection, Bakich was barred from participating in the postgame press conference, as per NCAA regulations. This left the Tigers’ veteran players, including senior third baseman Blake Wright, to address the media. Reflecting on the gut-wrenching loss, Wright said, “An incredible game between two very competitive teams. Credit to them for making more plays. … We fought hard. Team 127 will always be remembered for never being out of the fight.”

Clemson’s resurgence under Bakich has been notable. After missing back-to-back NCAA Tournaments in 2021-22, Bakich, who was hired from Michigan, has guided the Tigers to consecutive top 8 national seeds. Despite falling short of an Omaha trip, the program appears to be on a positive trajectory. “This program is back on the right path,” Wright affirmed.

One of the game’s pivotal moments came in the bottom of the 10th inning when Clemson outfielder Cam Cannarella made a sensational catch, leaping to snag a ball that seemed destined to end the game. Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan called it, “the best catch I’ve ever seen.”

The Tigers fought through three consecutive scoreless extra innings, staying alive thanks to stellar pitching performances. Gordon recorded a career-high 10 strikeouts, and Ethan Darden escaped a bases-loaded jam in the 12th by striking out Florida’s Caglianone. However, after Mathes’ go-ahead home run and the ejections of Bakich and Leggett, Florida’s Robertson delivered the game-winning double off Darden, Clemson’s sixth pitcher of the day.

Clemson catcher Jimmy Obertop reflected on the season’s highs and lows: “This was a great season. Obviously, we wish we would’ve made it to Omaha. But these guys are awesome. Coach Bakich and the staff are awesome. They’ve got a bright future ahead of them.”

As the dust settles on this thrilling yet heartbreaking game, Clemson fans can look forward to a bright future with Bakich at the helm, confident that their team is once again on the rise.