High-speed chase attorney in Clemson, SC

Clemson coach Erik Bakich took a not-so-subtle jab at South Carolina on Saturday when he said his team wasn’t going to celebrate “like we just won the World Series” after one game, inferring that’s what USC did the previous night.

There was still “a lot to play for,” Bakich said.

That perspective was validated Sunday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium as Clemson beat South Carolina 7-2 in the decisive Game 3 of the 2026 Palmetto Series.

It was Clemson’s second straight win against rival USC after falling into a 0-1 series hole with Friday’s shutout loss in Columbia. The Tigers’ back-to-back wins Saturday at Segra Park and Sunday at their home ballpark gave them three straight series wins against the Gamecocks.

Clemson has also won nine of the last 12 three-game rivalry series against USC and 12 of its last 15 games against the Gamecocks. Bakich improved to 8-3 against South Carolina, and USC coach Paul Mainieri dropped to 1-5 vs. Clemson.

No. 15 Clemson improved to 10-1 and 8-0 at home as it nears ACC play.

“This series is a big deal,” Bakich said. “It means a lot to a lot of people. Certainly means a lot to us. ... We’ve got a whole lot of season left and a whole lot to play for but this was certainly achieving our first big goal and opportunity.”

Clemson’s pitchers held South Carolina to just four hits Sunday. That continued a weekend-long trend for USC (7-5), which batted 12-91 (.132) across three games vs. Clemson and has now lost three of its last four games.

“Four hits a game for three straight days is obviously something we’ve gotta get better at,” Mainieri said. “Give credit to Clemson. They got some big hits, their pitchers did a good job and they played better than we did. They deserved to win.”

Game recap

Gamecocks third baseman Dawson Harman opened the scoring in the top of the second inning with a two-run RBI single off Clemson starting pitcher Talan Bell.

That was USC’s only lead of the game ... and its only runs.

Clemson put up two runs against USC starter Riley Goodman in the bottom of the second inning, which tied the game at 2-2.

Mainieri pulled Goodman for pitcher Zach Russell the next inning, but the change didn’t stop the bleeding. Russell promptly allowed a two-run RBI single to Clemson’s Tyler Lichtenberger, and the Tigers led 4-2 after three innings.

Clemson extended its lead to 5-2 in the bottom of the fourth on Ty Dalley’s solo home run off Gamecocks pitcher Hudson Lee, a Clemson transfer. Those five runs were more than Clemson had in its first two games against USC combined (four).

“I knew it was gone,” said Dalley, a Mercer transfer who hit 58 home runs with the Bears but hadn’t gone deep in his first 10 games with Clemson.

Clemson didn’t get an elite pitching performance like it did from Michael Sharman on Saturday, but Sunday starter Bell and middle reliever Drew Titsworth limited damage and pieced together six straight scoreless frames from the top of the third to the top of the seventh inning. USC’s bat “went flat,” Mainieri said.

“Those guys work so hard,” Mainieri said, referring to South Carolina’s hitters as well as hitting coach Monte Lee and other staffers. “And at times, we’ll show flashes of being really good. And then other times, not so much.”

The Gamecocks wound up batting 4-32 (.125). They also shuffled through six pitchers, trying to find someone who could be effective after Goodman (their regular Friday starter who was demoted to Sunday this week) struggled mightily.

Clemson runs away with Game 3 late

Clemson’s Tryston McCladdie drove in two more runs in the bottom of the sixth for a 7-2 lead. USC had runners on the corners in the seventh and was flirting with cutting into its five-run deficit before a ground-out ended the inning.

Clemson didn’t exactly light it up offensively either, batting 6-30 (.200), but Bakich said they strung together “quality at-bats.” The Tigers had six hits and six runs batted in, and all of which came after they went down 2-0 early.

Tigers reliever Joe Allen retired the first three batters he faced in the eighth, and freshman pitcher Danny Nelson struck out two Gamecocks swinging and grounded out a third to clinch a Game 3 victory and 2-1 series win for Clemson.

Bakich praised the home crowd of 6,678 and said Clemson’s ability to work its way out of a 7-0 shutout loss on Friday to a series win against its biggest rival was reflective of a “resilient” group that could climb in the rankings next week.

“We know that there’s going to be chaos throughout the game, and we’re just very comfortable in those moments,” Bakich said. “It showed today.”

CLEMSON — Clemson baseball took it personally after seeing how rival South Carolina celebrated after taking the series opener.

Gamecocks pitcher Alex Valentin logged the final strikeout on Feb. 27 to help South Carolina win 7-0 for the Tigers' first loss of the season. Then, he looked to Clemson's dugout and made a face to taunt the Tigers after South Carolina shut them out for the first time since 2017.

This led to Clemson coach Erik Bakich calling out South Carolina after the Tigers evened the series on Feb. 28.

"We got another big one tomorrow, which is why we don't celebrate out of control like we just won the World Series after one win," Bakich said.

No. 11 Clemson took the series against South Carolina for the third straight season after winning 7-2 on March 1. Clemson (10-1) has won nine of the last 12 series against the Gamecocks (7-5) dating back to 2015.

Bakich addressed his celebration comments postgame.

"I'm totally good with celebrating big wins like this is huge," Bakich said. "The line is when it goes from celebrating for your team to directing the energy to the other team."

Valentin and South Carolina's actions also caught Clemson players' attention.

"We sat and watched how he reacted after the win," Clemson right fielder Ty Dalley said. "We flushed it. We knew it, it was in the back of our heads but we didn't show that type of emotion.

"Just came out here, got two gritty wins and won the series, and that's what we expected to do."

How Clemson baseball won third straight series vs South Carolina

After getting shut out in Game 1 for the first time since April 2023, Clemson responded.

The Tigers trailed 1-0 in the third inning in Game 2 then scored four unanswered runs, including Nate Savoie's three-run homer. In the finale, Clemson trailed 2-0 in the second then rattled off seven unanswered runs, including Tyler Lichtenberger's go-ahead two-run single.

"It speaks to the resolve of this group. They're very resilient," Bakich said. "Playing from a deficit, that's no big deal."

Clemson was also lifted by its pitching. The Tigers allowed four hits in every game of the series, holding South Carolina to a team batting average of .132.

Clemson received a complete-game performance from Michael Sharman, a Tennessee transfer, in Game 2. He logged four strikeouts and threw 67 strikes on 78 pitches.

In the finale, Clemson's Talan Bell, who is still on a pitch count as he ramps up from a finger injury, struck out three batters and allowed two runs and four hits over 59 pitches in four innings.

Clemson's bullpen allowed only one run and recorded nine strikeouts in the series, a positive sign for a team that aims to reach the College World Series for the first time since 2010.

"That is just such part of the recipe of playing championship-level baseball," Bakich said. "Winning the series is a big deal, but we have long-term goals for much bigger things, and that stems from having to be able to pitch and defend and get timely hits at a very high level."

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at DCarter@usatodayco.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00

CLEMSON — Clemson baseball earned its third straight series win vs. South Carolina.

No. 11 Clemson took the series in the finale, winning 7-2 on March 1 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

South Carolina (7-5) took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second, but the Tigers (10-1) scored seven unanswered runs after that.

Tyler Lichtenberger hit the go-ahead two-run single in the third inning. Ty Dalley crushed his first home run this season in the fourth, and Tryston McCladdie hit a two-run single in the sixth.

It was the most runs Clemson scored against South Carolina this series.

In his third start this season, Clemson' starter's Talan Bell struck out three batters and allowed two runs and four hits over 59 pitches in four innings.

Clemson improved to 8-3 against South Carolina under fourth-year coach Erik Bakich. The Gamecocks fell to 1-5 vs. the Tigers under second-year coach Paul Mainieri.

Clemson faces Michigan State on March 4 (6 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra) in Greenville, South Carolina, at Fluor Field. South Carolina hosts USC Upstate on March 3 (6:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network+) at Founders Park.

Clemson vs. South Carolina score updates

Final: Clemson 7, South Carolina 2

Clemson vs South Carolina highlights

End 8th: Clemson 7, South Carolina 2

Joe Allen replaced Drew Titsworth to start the eighth inning and forced three flyouts to end the inning.

Elijah Foster replaced Josh Gregoire as South Carolina's pitcher and pitched a 1-2-3 inning.

End 7th: Clemson 7, South Carolina 2

Clemson's Drew Titsworth struck out a batter, but two South Carolina batters reached base on a error by third baseman Jason Fultz Jr. and a walk.

After a mound visit, Titsworth responded by forcing two fielder's choices to end the inning.

South Carolina's Josh Gregoire pitched a 1-2-3 inning.

End 6th: Clemson 7, South Carolina 2

Clemson's Drew Titsworth gave up a full-count no-out walk then struck out a South Carolina batter and forced two pop outs to end the inning.

Cooper Parks returned to pitch for South Carolina. Clemson's Jacob Jarrell got on base with no outs after a fielding error by South Carolina third baseman Dawson Harman, then Parks hit Clemson's Jason Fultz Jr.

Jack Crighton moved both runners to third and second base after a sacrifice bunt, then Clemson loaded the bases after Ty Dalley earned a walk.

Parks struck out Clemson's Jarren Purify, but Tryston McCladdie hit a two-out two-strike two-RBI single to extend Clemson's lead.

Josh Gregoire replaced Parks and ended the inning with a flyout.

End 5th: Clemson 5, South Carolina 2

Drew Titsworth replaced Clemson starter Talan Bell to begin the inning. Bell struck out three batters and allowed two runs and four hits over 59 pitches in four innings of work.

Titsworth hit a South Carolina hitter with two outs, and South Carolina's Ethan Lizama almost hit a two-run home run after. Yet, Clemson RF Ty Dalley caught the ball at the right-field wall to end the inning.

Cooper Parks replaced Hudson Lee at pitcher for South Carolina and pitched a 1-2-3 inning.

End 4th: Clemson 5, South Carolina 2

Clemson's Talan Bell gave up a two-out double but caused a groundout to end the inning.

Hudson Lee entered for Zach Russell for South Carolina. Lee spent one season with Clemson before transferring to South Carolina this year.

Lee gave up a one-out solo home run by Ty Dalley. It marked Dalley's first homer this season.

Clemson has scored five unanswered runs, and the Tigers' five runs are the most in a single game this series.

End 3rd: Clemson 4, South Carolina 2

Clemson's Talan Bell responded after allowing two runs to pitch a 1-2-3 inning.

South Carolina Riley Goodman was pulled from the game in the third inning after facing one hitter. Zach Russell replaced Goodman, who allowed three runs, two hits, two walks and two wild pitches on 50 pitches against 11 batters in two innings of work. It was the shortest start in Goodman's two-year career.

Russell took over with no outs and a runner on first and allowed a Nate Savoie double along the left-field line. This led to Tyler Lichtenberger's one-out two-RBI single.

End 2nd: Clemson 2, South Carolina 2

Clemson's Jacob Jarrell earned a one-out then advanced to second on a wild pitch by South Carolina's Riley Goodman. Goodman hit Clemson freshman Jason Fultz Jr. with a pitch and allowed a Jack Crighton single to load the bases.

Goodman threw another wild pitch that plated Clemson's first run of the game and advanced runners to third and second base. Clemson's Ty Dalley plated the tying run with an RBI groundout.

Middle 2nd: South Carolina 2, Clemson 0

Clemson's Talan Bell allowed a leadoff single then a two-out double that moved a South Carolina runner to third. This set up Dawson Harman's two-out two-run single to give the Gamecocks an early 2-0 lead.

South Carolina had a chance to move runners again, but a diving grab in shallow right field by second baseman Jarren Purify helped end the inning for Clemson.

End 1st: Clemson 0, South Carolina 0

Clemson's Talan Bell threw eight pitches to have a 1-2-3 inning.

South Carolina's Riley Goodman allowed a two-out single by Nate Savoie but forced a groundout to end the inning scoreless.

Clemson vs South Carolina starting lineup

Clemson:

South Carolina:

Who is pitching for Clemson baseball vs. South Carolina?

Clemson baseball vs South Carolina series history

Clemson leads the series 192-146-2 all time.

Is Clemson baseball ranked?

Clemson is ranked No. 11 in the coaches poll.

Who coaches South Carolina baseball

Paul Mainieri is in his second season as South Carolina's coach. He has a 35-33 record.

Doug Kingsmore Stadium capacity

Clemson's Doug Kingsmore Stadium holds a maximum of 6,272 people.

How long has Erik Bakich been at Clemson

Erik Bakich became Clemson's coach in 2023, replacing Monte Lee after seven seasons. Bakich has helped the Tigers make the NCAA Tournament in each of his three seasons.

What channel is Clemson baseball vs. South Carolina today?

Clemson baseball vs. South Carolina: start time

Clemson baseball vs. South Carolina: location

Clemson baseball schedule

Upcoming games of Clemson's 2026 baseball season. For the full schedule, click here

Record: 9-1

South Carolina baseball schedule

Upcoming games of South Carolina's 2026 basketball season. For the full schedule, click here

Record: 7-4

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Clemson University has grown to become the most active research institution in South Carolina, according to data from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Clemson’s total research and development (R&D) expenditures topped all South Carolina universities for the first time at $339 million in 2024, the latest year for which data is available for all universities in the NSF Higher Education Research and Development Survey. Total R&D includes competitive grants from the federal government, institutional spending, state support and investments from the private sector and nonprofit foundations.

“We have aligned our research strengths with state and federal priorities in energy resilience, national security, advanced manufacturing, health, agriculture and critical technologies to push meaningful innovation and scientific discovery that benefits the public and the state’s economy. We appreciate the investment in our work,” said Tanju Karanfil, senior vice president for research, scholarship and creative endeavors.

Clemson researchers are working directly with farmers, utilities, manufacturers, medical providers, K-12 schools, employers, state agencies, community organizations and others to help improve the economy and lives across South Carolina through workforce development and innovation.

Dominion Energy South Carolina and TECO Westinghouse Motor Company, for example, are working with Clemson on a new transformer device that can prevent outages during disruptions caused by fallen tree limbs and other disturbances. Prisma Health recently recognized a Clemson faculty member for research on reducing hospital readmissions. A Clemson research team was recognized nationally for helping more than 1,500 South Carolinians better manage diabetes. Clemson scientists developed new dry pea cultivars to give South Carolina farmers a new revenue stream for acreage typically left fallow or planted with cover crops over the winter. Clemson researchers are helping K-12 school districts in South Carolina adapt to the advent of artificial intelligence. These are a few examples.

“Clemson research is defined by bold ideas, broad collaboration and big impact,” Karanfil said in announcing Clemson’s total R&D figures at the University’s Board of Trustees meetings last week.

In the past five years, Clemson research has supported nearly 1,400 Ph.D. completions and 9,000 master’s degree completions, funneling a pipeline of talent to the state and regional workforce. Thousands of undergraduate students participate in research each year, as well, gaining unique experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for work after graduation.

Additionally, Clemson research has spawned 24 startup companies over the past five years and led to 304 invention disclosures, 83 patents and 80 licenses and options in which businesses are putting Clemson innovation to work.

When rivals start agreeing, you know college football’s tampering problem just hit a breaking point.

Over the past few weeks, there has been significant discussion surrounding college football and tampering, sparked by head coach Dabo Swinney and head coach Pete Golding during a press conference.

Swinney alleged that Ole Miss/Golding reached out to former Clemson linebacker while he was already out of the transfer portal, enrolled at the University, attending classes, and even participating in team activities. Now, the situation, allegations and evidence are being.

On Wednesday afternoon, Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer was asked about the situation and what penalty might be appropriate once the investigation concludes. While he stopped short of offering a specific punishment, he made it clear he opposes the idea of the issue going without consequences.

"What the penalty should be, that's for other people to figure out," Beamer said. "But I believe it should be severe. If we have rules and we're not going to enforce them, then what the hell do we have rules for? That's how I see it… I'm sure there's a gray area that [South Carolina] has been in at some point and ticked off some school."

The rival coach went on to explain that situations like this have become increasingly common in today's college football landscape, arguing that the rise of the transfer portal and player representation has blurred the lines of what constitutes tampering.

"We try to do things the right way," he continued. "There's a lot happening right now. Every kid in the portal and every kid in America has an agent, and those agents are reaching out to schools.

“That's happening during the season, and it's not just this year; it's been happening for multiple years, where agents of players at other schools are reaching out to colleges about the players they represent."

Beamer even went so far as to say that some of his own players likely had agents in contact with other schools during the season, using his program as an example to show that this isn't an isolated incident or limited to just one school.

"I'm sure there's players on our team that have agents that were reaching out to schools back during the season," Beamer stated. "That's just the world we live in, so I'm not sitting here saying we're holier than now. We've never done anything wrong. I don't think we have. But there's certainly a gray area that's hard to figure out what's black and what's white in so many ways."

Nevertheless, Beamer continued to acknowledge how the sport currently operates, but used the moment to distance himself and throw a few shots at the allegation involving Golding, stressing that those actions are certainly not how he runs his program.

"But, I can honestly say as a head football coach, I've never contacted a guy that's not in the portal," he made clear. "Much less put it in a text message, much less ask him, 'What's your buyout?" Again, I know what's reported. I don't know what's true, what's not true… but I know what's been reported."

"I would say that myself and every coach in America is sitting around and waiting to see what's going to happen in regards to that situation because if it's proven that that did happen, and then nothing happens, then, if you think it's the Wild Wild West now — just wait."

Later in the press conference, Beamer once again stood up for his in-state rival on the situation and essentially said that other coaches should acknowledge and call it out publicly, as Dabo did, if they deem it a necessary next step.

"What Dabo did? Yes, absolutely, being able to call it out, and I'm sure he, like other schools, turns stuff in when there's issues and if there's issues with something," the 48-year-old coach said.

Beamer closed his comments by providing context for why going public is often viewed as a last resort, explaining how these situations are typically handled between programs and coaches before reaching that breaking point.

"I've had a coach call me if there's something that he didn't think was quite right in regards to communication with a player," he finished. "I've called coaches if I didn't think something was quite right in regards to a player. I think a lot of those conversations happen head coach to head coach."

"Then, if there's things that need to be turned into the NCAA or the SEC, we have, but certainly to be able to call someone out publicly like that was the next step, and we'll see what happens."