By Sam Walters
What better way to kick off early April with some ACC baseball? In a three-game series, the Clemson Tigers (25-3, 7-2 ACC) head to Indiana to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-12, 2-10) this weekend.
The No. 2 Tigers, coming off a massive 11-1 win against USC Upstate on Tuesday, look to carry the momentum against their ACC rivals. They have defeated the Fighting Irish in 15 out of 29 games since 1994 and want to increase that number. However, they sit even at 6-6 when playing in Indiana.
The Tigers have taken the nation by storm, averaging over eight runs a game and a .291 batting percentage. Led by hard hitters Alden Mathes, Blake Wright, and Cam Cannarella, the Tigers' high-firing offense has already earned over 50 home runs this season. These stars will look to increase their numbers against Notre Dame this weekend, who are coming off being swept at NC State last weekend.
The Fighting Irish, however, do not lack firepower. Outfielder TJ Williams has been immaculate, hitting .407 with five homers and 21 RBIs. He accompanies fellow outfielder David Glancy, with nine homers and 31 RBIs on the season. The team is hitting a collective .276 with a .985 fielding percentage.
Regardless of Notre Dame’s prowess, it will be difficult for them to stop the Tigers. Clemson has won 14 regular-season weekend series in a row and their 25-3 record is its best through 28 games since 2002. Led by Eric Bakich, whose 69-22 record through two seasons stands a testament to the power and proficiency of the squad.
Pitcher Matthew Marchal, who is 4-0 with an ERA of 3.24, is planned to start for Clemson on Friday when the Tigers take on the Fighting Irish at Frank Eck Stadium at 4:30 p.m.
Make sure to tune into The ROAR at 4:00 p.m. on Friday for pregame coverage of Game 1 of the series!
