Clemson Tigers Sweep California Golden Bears 4-3, Secure 30th Win of the Season

The No. 4-ranked Clemson Tigers made a statement on the diamond this weekend, sweeping the California Golden Bears in a thrilling 4-3 victory to notch their 30th win of the season. With a stellar performance in the series finale, Clemson solidified its position as one of the top teams in college baseball. This sweep not only extends their impressive winning streak but also puts the Tigers in a strong position heading into the remainder of the season as they push for postseason contention.

The final game of the series was a nail-biter, with both teams battling fiercely from the first pitch to the final out. The Tigers showed their resilience, coming back from an early deficit to secure the win with a combination of solid pitching, timely hitting, and superb defensive plays.

A Strong Start for Cal

The game began with the Golden Bears striking first, capitalizing on an early error by Clemson’s defense. In the top of the second inning, California’s offense jumped on the opportunity to put pressure on the Tigers. With runners in scoring position, Bears’ designated hitter Ethan Carter crushed a single into left field, bringing in two runs. The Tigers quickly found themselves trailing 2-0, and the energy shifted as Cal’s pitchers kept Clemson’s batters quiet.

The Golden Bears’ starting pitcher, Tyler Brady, was effective early, keeping the powerful Clemson offense at bay. Brady, who has been a solid contributor to Cal’s rotation this season, showcased his ability to control the game with off-speed pitches and a consistent fastball that kept the Tigers off balance. His performance through the first few innings had the potential to shift the momentum in favor of Cal, with many wondering if the Tigers’ high-powered offense would be able to break through.

However, it didn’t take long for Clemson to answer back.

Tigers’ Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Down 2-0 in the bottom of the third, Clemson’s offense woke up, proving why they are one of the most potent offensive teams in college baseball. The inning started with a leadoff double from center fielder Sam Hall, setting the stage for the Tigers’ comeback. A few batters later, designated hitter Jordan Green hit a sharp single up the middle, advancing Hall to third base. With runners on the corners and no outs, Clemson was poised to respond.

It was freshman shortstop Cooper Ingle who provided the key hit, delivering an RBI single that brought Hall home, cutting Cal’s lead to 2-1. But the Tigers weren’t done there. On a subsequent at-bat, a well-placed sacrifice fly from outfielder Blake Wright allowed Green to tag up and score, tying the game at 2-2.

The Tigers’ rally didn’t end in the third inning. In the fourth inning, first baseman Caden Grice stepped up to the plate and delivered the game-changing moment. After working the count to 2-1, Grice launched a mammoth solo home run to left field, giving Clemson its first lead of the game at 3-2. The home run energized the Tigers’ dugout and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Grice’s blast wasn’t just a big hit in terms of momentum—it was a statement of Clemson’s ability to strike at any given moment.

Bullpen’s Dominance

As the game progressed, Clemson’s bullpen took control of the contest, shutting down Cal’s offense after an initial surge. Starting pitcher Ricky Williams gave the Tigers a solid outing, allowing just two runs over 4.2 innings while striking out six. Though he wasn’t perfect, Williams managed to work out of trouble, getting key outs when needed and keeping the Tigers in the game long enough for the offense to build its lead.

Once Williams was relieved, the Clemson bullpen—led by closer Ryan Ammons—did not falter. Ammons, who has been stellar in relief this season, came in during the fifth inning and delivered a shutout performance through the remainder of the game. He struck out five batters in his 3.1 innings of work and didn’t allow a single hit or walk. Ammons’ dominant showing out of the bullpen was a crucial factor in maintaining the Tigers’ slim lead and ensuring the victory.

It wasn’t just Ammons’ ability to rack up strikeouts that was impressive—it was his poise under pressure. In the seventh inning, with Cal’s offense threatening to rally, Ammons induced a key double play that extinguished any hope of a Golden Bears comeback. His control and composure in the high-leverage situations helped secure Clemson’s 30th win of the season.

California’s Late Push

Despite Clemson’s impressive bullpen performance, Cal wasn’t ready to go down without a fight. In the top of the eighth inning, the Golden Bears manufactured another run, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 4-3. After a single by Cal’s catcher Marcus Soto, third baseman Jack Stiles drew a walk, putting two runners on base with one out. The Golden Bears took advantage of a wild pitch by Clemson’s Ammons, which advanced both runners into scoring position.

With runners in scoring position and just one out, the game was on the line. However, Ammons showcased his resilience once again. He struck out Cal’s next two batters—first baseman Tommy Hughes and outfielder Will Rogers—keeping the lead intact and sending the Tigers to the bottom of the eighth with a 4-3 advantage.

With Ammons still on the mound in the ninth, the Golden Bears had one last chance to tie the game. But Ammons put the finishing touches on his stellar performance, striking out the final batter of the game to seal the win for the Tigers. The 4-3 victory was Clemson’s third straight win of the series, completing the sweep and extending their current winning streak.

A Historic Milestone for Clemson Baseball

With the win, Clemson secured its 30th victory of the season—an impressive feat that demonstrates the Tigers’ consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. The 30-win milestone is especially significant for Clemson, as it represents their continued dominance in college baseball and sets the stage for an exciting finish to the regular season.

Clemson has now positioned itself as a serious contender for the postseason, and their sweep of California is another reminder of their high ceiling as a program. The Tigers will enter the final stretch of the regular season with confidence, knowing that they can win close games, come from behind, and rely on their deep pitching staff.

Head coach Monte Lee was quick to praise his team’s performance in the series sweep. “I’m really proud of the way our guys battled today. Cal is a very good team, and we knew they would come at us hard. Our guys showed resilience, and it was great to see our offense come through when we needed it most. And of course, Ryan Ammons was absolutely lights out out of the bullpen. He’s been a huge part of our success all year.”

Looking Ahead: Clemson’s Path to Success

Clemson’s sweep of California is a testament to the team’s depth and talent. With standout players like Grice, Hall, and Green in the lineup, and a pitching staff anchored by Williams and Ammons, the Tigers are well-equipped to compete with the best teams in the country.

As the Tigers gear up for their next series, they know they have a solid foundation to build on. The team’s ability to battle through adversity, execute in key moments, and play with confidence will serve them well as they push toward the postseason. The 2025 College World Series is within reach, and Clemson has the pieces in place to make a deep run.

For now, the Tigers will savor their sweep of California and their 30th win of the season, but they are already looking ahead. With more tough competition on the horizon, Clemson will need to continue performing at a high level to maintain its position among the nation’s elite programs.

As the season progresses, the Tigers’ focus will remain on improving every aspect of their game—offense, defense, pitching, and especially their ability to execute in high-leverage situations. If they can continue playing like they did this weekend, Clemson will be a force to be reckoned with when the postseason arrives.

For now, though, the Tigers are content to celebrate their 30th win of the season and the satisfaction of a well-earned series sweep against a tough California squad.