Notre Dame Edges No. 14 Clemson 8-7

Fighting Irish score winning run on error in 9th inning

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:43pm

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In a close matchup at Frank Eck Stadium, Notre Dame defeated No. 14 Clemson 8-7 on Saturday. The Fighting Irish struck first with three runs in the 1st inning, but Clemson battled back to take a 7-5 lead in the 7th. Notre Dame tied it in the 8th before loading the bases in the 9th and scoring the winning run on an error.

Why it matters

This was an important ACC baseball matchup between two ranked teams. The win boosts Notre Dame's conference record to 5-3, while Clemson drops to 1-4 in ACC play. The close game highlights the competitiveness of the ACC and the fine margins between winning and losing at this level of college baseball.

The details

Notre Dame jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Bino Watters. Clemson battled back, tying the game at 5-5 in the 5th on a two-run double from Jack Crighton. The Tigers then took a 7-5 lead in the 7th on a two-run single from Luke Gaffney, but Notre Dame tied it in the 8th on a two-run homer from Jayce Lee. In the 9th, Notre Dame loaded the bases and scored the winning run when a throw to first base hit Parker Brzustewicz, allowing Mark Quatrani to score.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • Notre Dame struck first with three runs in the 1st inning.
  • Clemson's Jacob Jarrell hit a solo homer in the 2nd inning.
  • Clemson took a 7-5 lead in the 7th inning on Luke Gaffney's two-run single.
  • Notre Dame tied the game 7-7 in the 8th inning on Jayce Lee's two-run homer.

The players

Mark Quatrani

The Notre Dame player who scored the winning run in the 9th inning.

Bino Watters

The Notre Dame player who hit a two-run single in the 1st inning to give the Fighting Irish an early lead.

Jack Crighton

The Clemson player who hit a two-run double in the 5th inning to tie the game at 5-5.

Luke Gaffney

The Clemson player who hit a two-run single in the 7th inning to give the Tigers a 7-5 lead.

Jayce Lee

The Notre Dame player who hit a game-tying two-run homer in the 8th inning.

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What they’re saying

“This was a hard-fought game between two great teams. Both sides showed a lot of fight and resilience, and it came down to the final play.”

— Brian O'Connor, Notre Dame Head Coach

“We had our chances, but just couldn't close it out. Credit to Notre Dame for battling back and finding a way to win it in the end.”

— Monte Lee, Clemson Head Coach

What’s next

The series between Notre Dame and Clemson concludes on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The takeaway

This thrilling back-and-forth game showcased the competitiveness of ACC baseball, with two ranked teams trading blows until the very end. The result leaves both teams with work to do in conference play, but also demonstrates the fine margins that can decide these high-stakes matchups.