DURHAM BULLS ATHLETIC PARK: Jacob Jarell’s grand slam and Jacob McGovern’s stellar relief performance catapulted Clemson over Georgia Tech 9-4, Saturday, and into the ACC Championship final.
Georgia Tech took an early 3-0 lead before the Tigers exploded for five runs in the third, highlighted by Jarrrell’s grand slam, his 15th homer of the season. Freshman Talan Bell got the start and turned it over to the bullpen after 3.2 innings. Joe Allen (5-0, 1.84) and Jacob McGovern (S 2, 3.48) took it the rest of the way, holding the Yellow Jackets scoreless over the final five innings.
McGovern mixed three pitches effectively and his four scoreless innings of relief closely mirrored Lucas Mahlstedt’s performance in Thursday’s win over NC State.
Georgia Tech suffered through multiple mental errors and Clemson took advantage at every turn. In the first inning, Tigers’ second baseman Jarren Purify couldn’t handle a throw from shortstop Andrew Ciufo leading to a run. But a second Jackets’ baserunner attempted to score, running through a stop sign from the third base coach before being gunned down at the plate. Two innings later, Purify looked to be out at second on a steal attempt. Head coach Erik Bakich challenged the play, and it was clear on replay that the tag was not applied quickly and the call was overturned. Clemson capitalized, and Purify crossed the plate moments later on Jarrell’s grand slam. The Tigers spun those opportunities into gold, scoring six of their nine runs with two outs.
Georgia Tech also had two turns at bat end when a baserunner was doubled off first base.
With the victory, Clemson (44-15) advances to the ACC Championship game for the second time in three seasons. Bakich led his club to the ACC Championship in 2023, the 11th in school history.
The Tigers will go for title no. 12 against North Carolina at noon, Sunday. BJ Bailey will start for the Tigers.
Box Score
ACC Championship bracket
