Clemson Tigers Baseball Winning Streak Grows in Win Over Liberty Flames

The Clemson Tigers baseball team has been a powerhouse in college baseball for decades. Known for their dominance in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and their frequent appearances in the NCAA tournament, the Tigers have a storied tradition that combines raw talent, mental toughness, and a passionate fan base. However, in recent years, the program has faced some challenges. So, when the Tigers hit their stride this season, their fans were more than eager to see the team return to its previous form. After all, Clemson’s baseball team has historically been one of the best in the nation, and this year, they seemed to be on a mission to remind everyone why.

The Tigers’ impressive winning streak has garnered attention not only in the ACC but across the college baseball landscape. Their recent win against the Liberty Flames added another victory to their remarkable run, pushing their win streak even further and providing another example of just how much the Tigers have improved under the leadership of head coach Erik Bakich. This victory over Liberty didn’t just extend their streak—it served as another step forward in what has the potential to be one of the best seasons in recent memory.

The Road to Victory

Before diving into the specifics of the game against Liberty, it’s important to understand how the Tigers arrived at this point in their season. Coming off a slightly disappointing 2024 season, where they made it to the regionals of the NCAA tournament but failed to progress much further, the team entered the 2025 campaign with renewed focus and determination. Under the guidance of Bakich, who took over the program in 2022, Clemson has undergone a revival. Bakich has instilled a sense of discipline and resilience, emphasizing a balanced approach between pitching, defense, and offense.

This year, the Tigers’ pitching staff has been a revelation. While the offense has always been a staple of Clemson baseball, the team’s pitching depth and improved bullpen have taken center stage. The addition of several key transfers and the emergence of younger players have added both experience and depth to the roster. In particular, the Tigers’ starting rotation has been stellar, with pitchers consistently throwing quality innings and keeping their team in games. This newfound pitching prowess has provided Clemson with a much-needed edge.

Clemson’s offense has also been on fire. The lineup, which features a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers, has been potent. Power hitters have been delivering home runs and extra-base hits, while table-setters have been getting on base at a high rate. The Tigers’ ability to score runs early and often has helped them build momentum and put pressure on their opponents from the start.

The Tigers’ recent stretch of victories, including the one over Liberty, serves as a testament to the collective strength of their roster. Every win feels like the result of solid fundamentals, but it also highlights a team that has found its rhythm and is playing with confidence.

Game Recap: Clemson vs. Liberty

On a crisp evening at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, the Clemson Tigers took the field against the Liberty Flames with their impressive winning streak on the line. The atmosphere was electric, with fans filling the stands in anticipation of another potential victory. Clemson’s players were visibly focused and locked in, knowing that extending their streak would be crucial not only for their confidence but also for their positioning as the season progresses.

Liberty, coming into the game with a solid record of their own, was no slouch. The Flames had proven themselves as a tough opponent, capable of upsetting teams on any given day. The matchup promised to be competitive, and both teams were eager to take control early. As the game unfolded, it quickly became apparent that the Tigers were not going to let this opportunity slip by.

Clemson’s starting pitcher for the game was senior right-hander Jackson Holbrook, who has been one of the team’s most reliable arms this season. Holbrook entered the game with an ERA under 3.00 and had been in top form, showcasing a mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches that kept batters off balance. From the outset, Holbrook set the tone with a dominant first inning, striking out two batters and inducing weak contact from the Flames. His command of the strike zone was impeccable, and his poise on the mound was evident as he worked through the Liberty lineup with ease.

Offensively, the Tigers wasted no time putting runs on the board. In the bottom of the first inning, Clemson’s leadoff hitter, center fielder Ryan Collins, set the tone by drawing a walk and advancing to second on a wild pitch. Shortstop Luke Taylor followed with a sharp single to right field, putting runners on the corners with no outs. The Tigers’ offense has excelled at capitalizing on opportunities like this, and they did just that when designated hitter Tyler Stevens stepped to the plate. Stevens, known for his power, drove a double deep into the gap, scoring both Collins and Taylor and giving Clemson an early 2-0 lead.

The Tigers weren’t done yet. In the second inning, third baseman Ben Higgins—another player having a breakout season—launched a solo home run to left field to extend the lead to 3-0. The Clemson dugout erupted, and the crowd roared as Higgins made his way around the bases. The Tigers’ offense had clearly found its rhythm, and it was only the second inning.

Despite the early deficit, Liberty wasn’t going to back down easily. In the top of the fourth inning, the Flames struck for their first run of the game when third baseman Blake Wheeler singled to drive in a runner from second base. The hit cut Clemson’s lead to 3-1, and Liberty’s players appeared to gain some momentum. However, Holbrook remained calm and focused, inducing a groundout to end the inning and limit the damage. It was clear that while Liberty was capable of making a push, Holbrook wasn’t going to allow them to gain control of the game.

Clemson’s offense responded in the bottom of the fourth inning with another run, thanks to a sacrifice fly from catcher Travis Reed that scored first baseman Zachary Turner from third. The Tigers now led 4-1 and had a comfortable cushion. Liberty attempted to mount a comeback in the following innings, but Clemson’s pitching staff was up to the task. Holbrook pitched into the seventh inning before giving way to the bullpen, which had been one of the team’s biggest strengths during the streak. Relievers Cole Matthews and Aaron Foster kept the Flames off the scoreboard for the final two innings, ensuring that the Tigers’ lead remained intact.

With the game winding down, Clemson tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Right fielder Noah Davidson, who has been one of the team’s most consistent hitters, singled in a run, and a wild pitch allowed another runner to score. The Tigers had now built a commanding 6-1 lead. The Flames had no answer, and Clemson’s defense played flawless baseball to seal the victory.

Key Takeaways from the Win

The Tigers’ 6-1 victory over Liberty was another impressive performance that showcased the team’s balance and depth. Here are some key takeaways from the game:

1. Pitching Dominance

The Tigers’ pitching staff has been a standout all season, and Holbrook’s performance in this game was no exception. His ability to locate pitches and control the game was a big factor in the victory. The bullpen, led by Matthews and Foster, also continued to perform at a high level, with both pitchers shutting down Liberty’s offense when called upon.

2. Offensive Firepower

Clemson’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, with players like Stevens, Higgins, and Taylor coming through in clutch moments. The team’s ability to score early and often has been a key element of their success, and this game was no different. The Tigers were opportunistic, capitalizing on base runners and putting pressure on Liberty’s pitchers.

3. Team Depth

One of the most promising aspects of this Clemson team is the depth throughout the roster. The Tigers’ success isn’t reliant on a single player or unit; instead, it’s a collective effort. The pitching staff, offense, and defense all work together to create a balanced and well-rounded team.

4. Confidence and Momentum

With each passing win, the Tigers’ confidence continues to grow. The streak has given the team momentum, and their performance in this game proved that they are not only capable of winning games—they are playing with a sense of purpose and belief that could carry them deep into the season.

Looking Ahead

As the Tigers continue their winning streak, the focus will undoubtedly shift to maintaining their momentum. Clemson’s upcoming schedule features a mix of challenging conference opponents and non-conference matchups. The key for the Tigers will be to continue playing their brand of baseball—solid pitching, timely hitting, and strong defense.

The success of the 2025 season will ultimately be determined in the postseason, but the Tigers have positioned themselves well. With a solid roster and a winning streak that seems to grow with each game, Clemson has the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament and perhaps return to the College World Series.

For the Clemson faithful, this win over Liberty represents not just another victory but a step toward reclaiming the program’s place among college baseball’s elite. If the Tigers continue to play with the same intensity, discipline, and confidence, there’s no telling how far they could go. This season, it’s clear: the Clemson Tigers are back, and they are ready to make some noise.