Clemson and South Carolina Renew Baseball Rivalry

Tigers and Gamecocks set to face off in three-game series February 27 - March 1

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Clemson Tigers baseball team, ranked No. 11 in the nation, will travel to Columbia to take on their in-state rivals, the South Carolina Gamecocks, in a three-game series from February 27 to March 1. Clemson has dominated the series in recent years, winning five straight games against the Gamecocks, but South Carolina is looking to end that streak under new head coach Paul Mainieri.

Why it matters

The Clemson-South Carolina baseball rivalry is considered one of the greatest in college baseball, with the two teams having faced off nearly 340 times dating back to 1899. This series is always highly anticipated by fans on both sides, and the outcome can have major implications for postseason positioning in the ACC and SEC.

The details

Clemson enters the series with an 8-0 record, having swept series against Army and Bryant to start the season. The Tigers are led by a potent offense averaging 7.3 runs per game, with four players hitting over .400. On the mound, Clemson boasts the second-best team ERA in the nation at 1.43. South Carolina, meanwhile, has stumbled to a 6-3 start, losing to Northern Kentucky, Army, and Queens in non-conference play. The Gamecocks are led by transfer Amp Phillips, who has a 1.86 ERA in his first season with the team.

  • The three-game series will take place from February 27 to March 1.
  • Clemson and South Carolina last met in 2025, with the Tigers winning the series.

The players

Erik Bakich

Clemson's head baseball coach, who has led the Tigers to a 6-2 record against South Carolina since taking over the program.

Paul Mainieri

South Carolina's second-year head baseball coach, who is looking to lead the Gamecocks to their first win over Clemson since 2023.

Aidan Knaak

Clemson's ace pitcher, who has a 0.00 ERA with 14 strikeouts in two starts this season.

Amp Phillips

South Carolina's top pitcher, a transfer from USC Upstate who has a 1.86 ERA in his first season with the Gamecocks.

Talmadge LeCroy

South Carolina's leading hitter, batting .471 with two home runs and seven RBIs.

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What they’re saying

“It's something we have the upmost respect for this rivalry. The way we prepare for it and put a target on it all year long is how we show that respect for this rivalry.”

— Erik Bakich, Clemson Head Coach (greenvilleonline.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This Clemson-South Carolina baseball rivalry is one of the most storied in college sports, with the two teams having faced off nearly 340 times dating back over a century. While Clemson has dominated the series in recent years, South Carolina will be looking to end that streak and pick up a much-needed win over their in-state rivals.