On a sunny and pleasant Friday afternoon, Clemson baseball kicked off its season in style. But for a period of time, it looked dire. The opener against Army proved a bit of a challenge for the Tigers, but Clemson clawed out a win.

Aidan Knaak received the nod to start the game. Clemson’s ace pitcher struggled through three innings. At times, Knaak looked a bit unsettled on the mound. His fluid, calm composure was shown during the first inning. However, during the second and third innings, he looked a little bit out of his groove. He threw six strikeouts to nine Army batters across three innings.

Simply said, Army gave Clemson a ballgame. The Black Knights earned a run during the second inning after a crucial error made by Clemson, one of two for the Tigers in the game. Later, in the seventh inning, Army catcher Jack Quinlan hit a solo home run. That gave the Black Knights the 2-0 lead over the Tigers.

Clemson’s bats were dormant for six innings until the bottom of the seventh, when the Tigers made a base hit, ultimately scoring a run. Shortly after the base hit, Jacob Jarrell hit a two-run moonshot to move the score to 3-2, Clemson. Clemson pitcher Joe Allen struck out an Army batter in the top of the ninth inning, claiming victory for the Tigers.

Some observations can be made from the baseball team’s performance. First, the bullpen’s health needs to improve — several Clemson pitchers are currently injured. Next, there needs to be fewer errors. Clemson had two in the game, while Army had none. Clean, gritty and efficient baseball is what paves the road to Omaha, Nebraska. Finally, Clemson’s batters need consistency. During the opening game, Clemson had no rhythm at the plate. Finding a groove will be vital as the season progresses.

What matters in the end is that Clemson clawed its way back and ultimately won the opener. Undefeated through one game, the Tigers’ best is still to come.