Clemson Rallies Past Georgia Tech in ACC Tournament Semifinal

DURHAM, N.C. — Clemson defeated Georgia Tech 9-4 in the semifinals of the ACC tournament on Saturday, thanks to a strong performance in the later innings. Clemson scored nine runs while holding Tech to just one over the final six innings at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Jacob Jarrell’s grand slam in the third inning marked a turning point for the Tigers, turning a 3-0 deficit into a commanding 5-3 lead that they would not relinquish. Georgia Tech’s coach, Danny Hall, acknowledged the team’s struggle with their performance. ‘Hats off to Clemson, they did what they had to do to win today,’ Hall said. ‘Disappointing loss, certainly for us, but greater things are ahead.’

After going 1-1 in the tournament, Georgia Tech’s record now stands at 40-17. The Yellow Jackets will learn their NCAA Tournament destination on Monday at noon. Clemson, improving to 44-15, advances to the championship game on Sunday against either Florida State or North Carolina.

The Tigers’ pitching staff effectively stifled the Yellow Jackets’ offense, limiting them to seven hits. Georgia Tech left six runners on base and struggled with runners in scoring position, finishing 2-for-8. ‘They made their pitches in the right scenarios,’ said Tech first baseman Kent Schmidt. ‘It’s definitely something that we’re gonna get better at.’

In the bottom of the first inning, the Yellow Jackets quickly took a 2-0 lead after Kyle Lodise’s single and some miscommunication led to a run scored on a throwing error. A subsequent single from Vahn Lackey added another run. Tech’s Drew Rogers later extended the lead to 3-0 with a solo homer in the second inning.

However, Clemson responded strongly starting in the third. Andrew Ciufo put the Tigers on the board with a double, followed by several key hits that led to Jarrell’s grand slam, turning the tide of the match. Although Georgia Tech’s starter, Jones, was charged with five earned runs over three innings, Hall noted that defense errors facilitated Clemson’s scoring. ‘If we tag the runner out at second, none of that happens,’ Hall said.

Clemson continued to extend their lead with two runs in the seventh and an insurance run in the eighth, culminating in a final blow with a home run in the ninth inning. The Tigers’ starter, Talan Bell, went 3 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs. Joe Allen earned the win, and Jacob McGovern secured a save.

As the tournament moves forward, Clemson aims for their first conference title since 2012, buoyed by a strong season and budding momentum.