Sports

Clemson Baseball Coach Condemns Poor Sportsmanship After Rivalry Win Over South Carolina

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Clemson baseball coach Erik Bakich on the field

© Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


The Clemson baseball team was beaten soundly in a rivalry series opener against South Carolina on Friday. Erik Bakich’s bunch responded in a big way on Saturday.

The Tigers made light work of the Gamecocks thanks to a strong pitching performance. The postgame celebrations couldn’t have been more different from Game 1 to Game 2.

This is arguably the best rivalry in college baseball. In the past, these two schools have been at the top of the sport. South Carolina owns 11 College World Series appearances. Those include two titles and four runner-up finishes.

Clemson is still searching for its first national championship though it’s been to the College World Series 12 times. On two occasions, they’ve come one win away from a championship appearance only to lose back-to-back games to the Gamecocks in Omaha.

All of that goes to show that this rivalry typically means something. The outcome can hold weight in terms of postseason selection, and obviously, bragging rights.

Erik Bakich has brought life to Clemson baseball.

The Tigers experienced a bit of a lull after the retirement of legendary coach Jack Leggett. Monte Lee, who ironically is currently on the South Carolina staff, could not sustain success.

His team missed the NCAA Tournament in each of his final two seasons. It never advanced past a Regional.

Bakich was hired as his replacement in 2023. Since, he’s produced three straight 40-win campaigns. He made a Super Regional in his second season.

He hopes to book a ticket to Omaha at the end of Season 4.

Bakich has fully embraced the university and the rivalry. As a result, he’s beloved by the fanbase. His dominance in the series hasn’t hurt either.

Clemson was 6-2 against South Carolina entering this year and riding a five-game winning streak. The Gamecocks ended that skid in the opener.

South Carolina dominated Game 1.

The home team shut out the Tigers in a 7-0 shellacking on Friday night. Players let their rival hear about it in the final few innings.

Relief pitcher Alex Valentin, in particular, went viral for taunting the Tigers.

Valentin is a transfer from Texas State. He has a history of what could be considered poor sportsmanship.

The lefty is beloved by his fanbase. His antics are despised by rivals. Clemson took offense.

Erik Bakich condemned bad behavior.

The Tigers evened the series on Saturday with a 4-1 win. Starting pitcher Michael Sharman needed just 78 pitches in a complete game victory.

He did not emulate Valentin after the fact. His celebration was much more low-key.

Erik Bakich noted that fact. He trolled the Gamecocks while complimenting his team’s maturity.

“We don’t celebrate out of control like we just won the World Series after one win,” the coach said.

His goal is a championship, not one game in the third series of the season. In some ways, it shows the current state of the rivalry.

South Carolina is now the team in a downward spiral. The Gamecocks missed the NCAA Tournament last season. Calls for second-year head coach Paul Manieri’s job are already being heard.

For the Gamecocks, the Game 1 win likely meant more. They may not be playing meaningful baseball in the postseason. Clemson was all business after their victory. The rubber match is set for Sunday, and the winning team’s response will certainly be a talking point.