The Clemson Tigers defeated the Binghamton Bearcats in a tightly contested game on Saturday, winning 3-2 in the second game of the series.

A five inning pitching duel broken by Binghamton put Clemson behind until a three-run inning which ultimately allowed the Tigers to secure the win.

After five scoreless innings, Binghamton put up the first run of the game in the top of the sixth. Clemson starter Austin Gordon kept the Bearcats at bay, giving up only five hits until a wild pitch in the sixth gave Binghamton the lead. 

The Tigers continued to struggle at the plate until the eighth inning, when they took the lead 3-1. Blake Wright brought in the team’s first run with a sacrifice fly, allowing Cooper Ingle to reach home plate.

Freshman Cam Cannarella worked to keep the momentum going with an RBI double, followed by the third run of the inning on a wild pitch.

Head coach Erik Bakich rewarded Cannarella with the game-changing play.

 “Cam’s aggressive play of tagging up to third base and then scoring on a wild pitch for the insurance run proved to be the difference.”

Freshman Tristan Smith made his first appearance at the mound memorable, closing the game out by striking out the final two batters. 

“To see him pitch out of a big jam like that was all positive signs for the future,” Bakich said of Smith, who was named the No. 1 freshman in the ACC by Perfect Game in the preseason. 

Although Clemson’s performance did not quite measure up to Friday’s 11-3 win, the Tigers were still able to claim their second win of the season, which satisfied Bakich. 

“Not our cleanest game. Some learning opportunities there, but the bottom line is the Clemson Tigers had three, and the other team had two,” Bakich added. 

Clemson wrapped up its three-game series with Binghamton on Sunday, winning 19-1 to stay perfect on the year. The Tigers will be back in action on Tuesday when they host Charlotte at 4 p.m. at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.