No. 9 Virginia defeats Clemson 6-4

Cavaliers rally with late three-run double to top Tigers

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:58am

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the dynamic movements and competing perspectives of a college baseball game.A cubist interpretation of the intense action and shifting momentum of a high-stakes college baseball matchup between two top ACC programs.Clemson Today

The No. 9 Virginia Cavaliers defeated the Clemson Tigers 6-4 in a college baseball matchup on Thursday night. Virginia trailed early but rallied with a three-run homer in the second inning and a three-run double in the sixth to overcome Clemson.

Why it matters

This ACC conference game was an important matchup between two top college baseball programs. The loss drops Clemson to 5-11 in ACC play, putting them in a difficult position in the conference standings.

The details

Virginia fell behind early but took the lead for good in the sixth inning. AJ Gracia hit a three-run homer in the second to give the Cavaliers their first runs, and Jake Weatherspoon delivered a crucial three-run double in the sixth to put Virginia ahead 6-4, which would hold as the final score.

  • The game took place on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • Virginia scored three runs in the second inning and three more in the sixth.

The players

AJ Gracia

A Virginia player who hit a three-run homer in the second inning to give the Cavaliers their first runs of the game.

Jake Weatherspoon

A Virginia player who hit a three-run double in the sixth inning to give the Cavaliers the lead for good.

Clemson Tigers

The college baseball team from Clemson University that lost the game to Virginia.

Virginia Cavaliers

The college baseball team from the University of Virginia that won the game against Clemson.

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The takeaway

This loss is a setback for the Clemson Tigers in their ACC conference play, but the Virginia Cavaliers showed their ability to rally late and overcome an early deficit against a tough opponent.