“No. 12 Clemson stormed back with a thrilling three-run rally in the eighth inning to edge past No. 20 NC State, 7-6, in a dramatic ACC Tournament showdown at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.”
In a game that swung like a pendulum and kept fans on the edge of their seats, No. 12 Clemson mounted a gutsy three-run rally in the eighth inning to defeat No. 20 NC State, 7–6, in a pivotal ACC Tournament matchup at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
The comeback not only showcased the Tigers’ resilience, but it also positioned them as one of the tournament’s most dangerous threats. Meanwhile, NC State was left to lament missed opportunities and a painful unraveling in the late innings.
The ACC Tournament stage has seen its share of classics, and this one quickly joined the list. NC State entered the night looking sharp, fresh off a string of strong performances that had raised hopes for a deep tournament run. Clemson, meanwhile, came in eager to prove it could contend with the conference’s elite.
Early on, the Wolfpack appeared to seize control. Fueled by timely hitting and aggressive base running, NC State built a 5–2 lead through the middle innings. Junior slugger Jacob Cozart was instrumental in their early success, launching a two-run homer in the third inning that electrified the NC State dugout and sent a clear message: they were not intimidated by Clemson’s national ranking.
Clemson responded with grit. Despite trailing for most of the game, the Tigers never seemed rattled. They chipped away at the deficit with runs in the fourth and sixth innings, staying within striking distance and setting the stage for their decisive eighth-inning explosion.
Trailing 6–4 heading into the top of the eighth, Clemson turned up the pressure. It began with a leadoff single by Cam Cannarella, the sophomore center fielder who had already driven in a run earlier in the game. After a sacrifice bunt moved him into scoring position, the Tigers’ dugout came alive.
Then came the defining sequence: back-to-back doubles by Blake Wright and Caden Grice tied the game at 6–6. The Tigers didn’t stop there. With two outs and the go-ahead run standing on second, catcher Cooper Ingle came through in the clutch, ripping a single to center field that plated Grice and gave Clemson its first lead of the game.
The Tigers erupted in celebration, knowing how crucial the moment was—not just in the game, but in their postseason journey.
With the narrow lead in hand, Clemson turned to closer Reed Garris in the bottom of the ninth to slam the door. Garris, who had struggled earlier in the season, delivered one of his most composed outings under pressure. He struck out two of the final three batters he faced, including NC State’s power-hitting third baseman Alec Makarewicz, to secure the save and preserve the Tigers’ stunning 7–6 victory.
As Garris pumped his fist and the Tigers mobbed the mound, it was clear this wasn’t just another win. It was a statement.
The Tigers’ comeback was made possible by a total team effort. Seven different players recorded hits, and five drove in runs. Head coach Erik Bakich praised his team’s balance and refusal to fold under pressure.
“These guys have been in these kinds of games all season,” Bakich said postgame. “They believe in each other, they trust the plan, and they never feel like they’re out of a game. That’s what you saw tonight.”
Cannarella finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Grice tallied two hits, including the game-tying double in the eighth. The bullpen also deserves credit. After starter Tristan Smith labored through four innings, the combination of Joe Allen, Austin Gordon, and Garris held NC State to just one run over the final five frames.
For the Wolfpack, the loss was a gut punch. After holding the lead for most of the contest, they struggled to close the door when it mattered most.
“Anytime you’ve got a lead late and you let it slip away, it stings,” NC State head coach Elliott Avent said. “We had some chances to add on and didn’t. And against a team like Clemson, if you give them a window, they’re going to climb through it.”
NC State’s bullpen faltered at the worst time. Reliever Logan Whitaker gave up three hits and three runs in the eighth, while closer Justin Lawson was unable to contain the Tigers’ momentum.
Cozart and Cannon Peebles were the offensive standouts for NC State, combining for five hits and four RBIs. But it wasn’t enough.
Clemson’s win sends a loud message to the rest of the ACC: the Tigers are peaking at the right time. With the victory, Clemson improves its standing in pool play and moves one step closer to clinching a semifinal berth.
Depending on other results in the group, this win could serve as a tiebreaker or momentum-swinging moment as the tournament progresses.
“We know the kind of team we have,” said Cooper Ingle. “We believe we can win this whole thing, and tonight was a big step in that direction.”
For NC State, the path gets more complicated. While they are still alive in pool play, they now face a must-win scenario in their next game and will need help from other teams to advance.
Beyond the ACC Tournament implications, this game also served as a preview of what both teams could bring to the NCAA Tournament. Clemson’s lineup depth, aggressive baserunning, and late-game composure make them a tough out in any bracket. Meanwhile, NC State’s power potential and high-octane offense remain dangerous, though questions about bullpen reliability may linger.
Baseball America and D1Baseball analysts in attendance noted how the game felt like a regional final—complete with swings, dramatics, and top-tier talent on display.
“You could feel the intensity from the first pitch,” said one scout. “This is postseason baseball. These are two Omaha-caliber teams.”
The Durham Bulls Athletic Park provided the perfect backdrop for this high-stakes drama. A crowd of more than 7,500 packed the stadium, creating a postseason-like buzz throughout the night. Fans from both schools turned out in force, with chants of “Let’s go Tigers!” and “Wolf! Pack!” echoing between innings.
The ballpark, home to Triple-A’s Durham Bulls, continues to solidify its status as one of college baseball’s most electric tournament venues. Its downtown skyline backdrop, major league-quality facilities, and passionate fans delivered a prime-time atmosphere fitting of such a thriller.
Clemson now prepares for its next test, buoyed by confidence and momentum. With a top-15 national ranking and a resume that includes wins over the ACC’s top contenders, the Tigers are playing themselves into a strong hosting position for regionals—and perhaps more.
“We’re not satisfied,” Coach Bakich said. “This group has bigger goals.”
NC State will need to regroup quickly. Despite the loss, the Wolfpack remains a dangerous threat in the postseason picture. Their lineup can hang with anyone, and a few tweaks to the bullpen could make all the difference.
“This isn’t over,” Avent added. “We’ve taken hits before and bounced back. We’ll do it again.”
Clemson’s 7–6 victory over NC State was more than just a comeback—it was a defining moment in the 2025 ACC Tournament. It underscored the Tigers’ toughness, showcased their offensive firepower, and served as a reminder that no lead is ever safe when you’re playing in the nation’s most competitive conference.
If this game is any indication, fans can expect more fireworks in Durham as the tournament marches toward its climax. But for now, it’s Clemson who walks away with the upper hand—and all the momentum.
- Clemson:
- Cam Cannarella: 3-for-4, 1 RBI, 2 R
- Caden Grice: 2-for-4, game-tying RBI double
- Cooper Ingle: 2-for-5, go-ahead RBI single
- Reed Garris (Save): 1 IP, 0 H, 2 K
- NC State:
- Jacob Cozart: 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
- Cannon Peebles: 3-for-5, 2 RBI
- Logan Whitaker (Loss): 0.2 IP, 3 ER
