Jacob McGovern was Clemson baseball’s hero.
The sophomore southpaw entered for starter Drew Titsworth in the fifth inning of the Clemson Regional on May 30, with USC Upstate having the bases loaded and no outs, and Clemson trailing by two runs. McGovern saved the day like Superman, emerging from the bullpen to strike out two and force a flyout that left fielder Dominic Listi caught on a diving grab.Tigers coach Erik Bakich, like an eager kid wanting to meet the superhero, was the first person to greet McGovern after the stellar inning, giving him a high-five and a slap on his pants at the right-field line
Everyone recognized the moment in what he did because that was a huge strand of the bases loaded, the no outs, the run expectancy in that situation is over 2.2 runs,” Bakich said. “For him to come in and get two big strikeouts right in the heart of that order against some dangerous hitters is certainly huge.McGovern’s momentum-shifting inning helped Clemson beat USC Upstate 7-3 and avoid the upset at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The Tigers (45-16) will face West Virginia (42-14) at 6 p.m. ET on May 31.
The winner will advance to the regional championship on June 1 (6 p.m. ET); the loser will play either Kentucky or USC Upstate (36-24) in an elimination game on June 1 (noon ET
McGovern pitched 3⅓ scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out six. USC Upstate had no answer for him as he mixed and matched his changeup and fastball pitches.
Since May 3 vs. Florida State, McGovern has not allowed an earned run and has given up only two hits in 14⅓ innings.
