On Friday, the No. 7 Clemson defeated the Gamecocks in the series opener, 5-3. The Tigers started out with an early lead with four runs in the first two innings to hold on for a 5-3 win over the Gamecocks. It was the perfect night for rivalry baseball with a record-breaking crowd of 6,891 fans at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The win over South Carolina extended the winning streak for the Tigers to six games, improving their record to 8-1, while the Gamecocks suffered their first loss of the season.
Clemson's Collin Priest put a run on the board first with a clutch two-out, two-run double before the Tigers added more suns in the second inning. South Carolina finally got on the board in the third inning, capitalizing on two walks to push across three runs, highlighted by Talmadge LeCroy's two-out, two-run double.
Jacob McGovern and Lucas Mahlstedt combined for zero runs allowed, five strikeouts, one walk, and one hit in a little over four innings. The Tigers scored their fourth run from an RBI walk, and second baseman Jarren Purify launched his first home run of the season, to secure the lead over the Gamecocks.
Needless to say, the rivalry drew in reactions from both teams' fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) with the Tigers handing the Gamecocks their first loss of the season.
Better luck next time, little buddy!
— Dill🐅 (@ClemsonDill) March 1, 2025
— Adam (@adamdropsbombs) March 1, 2025
I’m shaking with rage as I write this tweet. Just shattered my glass table and punched a hole in my wall. My dog is hiding in the corner crying because he’s so terrified. South Carolina has humiliated me for the last time. Goodbye Gamecock nation.
— GOONABOMBER//古纳轰炸员 (@NonnerBird) March 1, 2025
I like our chances for the next two. Was bound to have an off night and lose a game. That’s why we play 3.
— David Thompson (@Thompson5David) March 1, 2025
— Spam Cannarella (@SpamCannarella) March 1, 2025
Beat those hillbillies tomorrow
— Gamecocks On Top (@GamecocksOnTop) March 1, 2025
The South Carolina - Clemson series continues on Saturday at Fluor Field in Greenville, SC, with the Tigers as the designated visiting team.