Clemson WALKS IT OFF! No. 4 Tigers Pull Off Epic Comeback to Stun No. 11 Wake Forest
No. 4 Clemson refused to go down without a fight, rallying from a six-run deficit to defeat No. 11 Wake Forest 7-6 in walk-off fashion on Sunday afternoon at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. With the thrilling win, the Tigers secured the series victory and improved to 22-3 overall and 3-2 in ACC play.
A tough loss on Saturday left Clemson hungry for redemption, and Erik Bakich’s squad delivered in dramatic fashion. Exactly one year ago, the Tigers pulled off an eight-run rally to walk off Florida State. This time, they staged another unforgettable comeback, capped by Tryston McCladdie’s game-winning dash home on a wild pitch.
Wake Forest appeared in full control early, striking for three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Ryan Preisano’s two-run homer. The Demon Deacons added three more in the second, building a commanding 6-0 lead. But Clemson refused to back down, chipping away at the deficit with a two-out RBI double from Dominic Listi in the bottom of the second.
Listi kept the rally alive in the sixth with a two-run single, and Cam Cannarella delivered in the eighth with another clutch two-out hit to bring the Tigers within one. Moments later, Luke Gaffney’s RBI single tied the game, setting up a heart-pounding finish.
Clemson infielder Tryston McCladdie (4) before the game with Winthrop University at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday, February 25, 2025. © Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
They couldn’t quite complete the comeback on Saturday, but Sunday told a different story.
In the ninth, McCladdie led off with a walk, stole second, and advanced to third on a groundout. Then, with a 2-0 count to Andrew Ciufo, the ball skipped past the catcher, and McCladdie raced home, sealing the walk-off victory and igniting a celebration at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
Lucas Mahlstedt (1-0) played a crucial role in the comeback, tossing three scoreless innings with three strikeouts to earn the win. Josh Gunther (1-2) took the loss for Wake Forest.
Erik Bakich’s squad is never out of the fight, and they proved it again with a statement series win in conference play. The Tigers will look to keep their momentum rolling when they host Coastal Carolina on Tuesday at 6 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
