There’s no “early-season rust” at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Having wrapped up a run-rule triumph a few days earlier, the No. 15 Clemson Tigers (4-0) are now set to play the Bryant Bulldogs (2-1) in a three-game weekend series.
In the opening week, Erik Bakich’s team has been about on point, defeating opponents 31-4 and with a team ERA of only 0.55. The series is sort of a homecoming for Bryant head coach Ryan Klosterman, who played for the Tigers in 2001.
But his Bulldogs—preseason favorites to win the America East—will discover a Clemson team that is firing at full throttle.
The Tigers have plenty of returning talent, but the tale of the young season is Loyola Marymount transfer Nate Savoie. The sophomore outfielder/catcher has produced video-game numbers through four games, striking a blistering .733 with 11 hits in 15 at-bats.
“It’s really special,” Savoie said of his early upstate success. “I’m going hard out of the box on pretty much every hit.”
Savoie isn’t the only one on offense.
First baseman Luke Gaffney (.467) and third baseman Tryston McCladdie (.429) have offered elite protection in a lineup that has logged more walks (23) than strikeouts (15) this season, a testament to the plate discipline that Bakich has preached.
Clemson will maintain the same weekend rotation that stifled Army West Point.
Friday (4 p.m.): RHP Aidan Knaak (0-0) vs. Kaden Hilburger.
Knaak, Tigers ace, seeks to recover from a no-decision in which he displayed elite command.
Saturday (2 p.m.): LHP Michael Sharman (1-0). The Tennessee transfer was the highlight of opening weekend, retiring the first 17 batters he faced against Army.
Sunday (1 p.m.): LHP Talan Bell (0-0). The young lefty is looking at a solid debut performance to build upon.
Bryant joins Clemson after taking two out of three from Davidson. They are led by junior Casey Wensley, reigning America East Player of the Week, with a 1.576 OPS in his opening series. At second base, the Bulldogs also have D1Baseball Preseason Player of the Year Zac Zyons, but the veteran still hopes for his first hit of 2024.
Series Info & Broadcast.
View: ACC Network Extra (ESPN+).
Radio: Clemson Athletic Network (105.5 FM local).
Atmosphere: Clemson is 10th nationally in attendance, averaging over 5,800 fans per game.
Analysis: Bryant is a veteran team that has been accustomed to winning, but they haven’t come to bat with a pitching staff as deep as Clemson’s. If the Tigers continue to restrict free passes and Savoie remains the hottest hitter in the nation, a second consecutive weekend sweep is within arm’s reach.