Clemson Baseball Dominates Charlotte in 11-1 Victory

Tigers' offense explodes for 10 runs in first three innings

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The 15th-ranked Clemson Tigers baseball team defeated the Charlotte 49ers 11-1 in a midweek matchup on Tuesday. Outfielder Nate Savoie continued his hot start to the season, going 3-for-4 with a home run, while Jacob Jarrell and Trystan McCladdie also homered for the Tigers. Freshman pitcher Eston Simpson impressed in his collegiate debut, throwing four scoreless innings. Clemson's pitching staff has held opponents to a .179 batting average through the first four games of the season.

Why it matters

Clemson's dominant performance against Charlotte showcases the team's offensive firepower and pitching depth as they look to build on their 4-0 start to the 2026 season. The Tigers are aiming to return to the NCAA Tournament after missing out last year, and this win over a regional opponent is an encouraging sign of their potential.

The details

Clemson jumped out to a 10-0 lead after the first three innings, highlighted by a first-inning grand slam from Jacob Jarrell and a two-run homer from Trystan McCladdie in the third. Outfielder Nate Savoie, a transfer from Loyola Marymount, continued his hot start by going 3-for-4 with a solo home run. On the mound, freshman Eston Simpson threw four scoreless innings in his collegiate debut, allowing just two hits and two walks.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Nate Savoie

A transfer outfielder from Loyola Marymount who has been a standout for Clemson early in the 2026 season, going 11-for-15 with two home runs and a .765 on-base percentage.

Jacob Jarrell

Clemson's leading home run hitter in 2025, Jarrell hit a first-inning grand slam in Tuesday's win over Charlotte.

Trystan McCladdie

An outfielder who hit a two-run home run in the third inning to extend Clemson's lead to 10-0.

Eston Simpson

A freshman right-handed pitcher who made an impressive collegiate debut, throwing four scoreless innings and allowing just two hits and two walks.

Jarren Purify

Clemson's leadoff hitter, Purify reached base three times and scored all three times in the rout of Charlotte.

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What they’re saying

“Nate Savoie has been a huge addition for us early in the season. His power and on-base ability have been a big boost to our lineup.”

— Erik Bakich, Clemson Head Coach (Clemson Wire)

What’s next

Clemson will host the Bryant Bulldogs for a three-game series starting on Friday, February 21st at 4 PM ET. All three games will be available to stream on ACC Network Extra through ESPN+.

The takeaway

Clemson's dominant performance against Charlotte showcases the team's offensive firepower and pitching depth as they look to bounce back from missing the NCAA Tournament last season. With standout performances from transfers like Nate Savoie and continued production from returning players, the Tigers appear poised for a strong 2026 campaign.