Clemson Tigers
Overall Rank: #19
Conference Rank: #5 ACC
Clemson has been a staple in the NCAA Tournament, only missing out once since 1986. Last season the Tigers had to go to Oxford where they won their opener against Illinois before falling to Ole Miss and Jacksonville State. This year they will hope to host a regional and stay at the friendly confines of Kingsmore Stadium as long as possible.
2019: 35-26, 15-15
2019 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Monte Lee
Key Departed Players:
Grayson Byrd, .316 BA, 16 HR, 59 RBI
Kyle Wilkie, .307 BA, 6 HR, 41 RBI
Logan Davidson, .291 BA, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 17 SB
Key Returning Players:
Bryar Hawkins, IF, .287 BA, 7 HR, 23 RBI
Sam Hall, IF/OF, .257 BA, 7 HR, 32 RBI. 30 SB
Bryce Teodosio, OF, .215 BA, 9 HR, 33 RBI
Davis Sharpe, P, 3.20 ERA, 7-4 W/L, 84.1 IP, 84 SO
Mat Clark, P, 3.21 ERA, 9-3 W/L, 73.0 IP, 60 SO
Jacob Hennessy, P, 4.05 ERA, 4-1 W/L, 53.1 IP, 39 SO
Carson Spiers, P, 3.59 ERA, 2-5 W/L, 47.2 IP, 44 SO, 11 SV
Spencer Strider, P, DNP last season
Projection:
Without Grayson Byrd and Logan Davidson, Clemson lacks the superstar hitter that they have seemingly had for the last decade. But that does not mean they do not have any experience in the lineup. Bryar Hawkins hit .287 last season with seven homeruns. Sam Hall is very dangerous at the plate and on the base paths. He hit seven homeruns with 32 RBIs and stole 30 bases. Bryce Teodosio was third on the team in homeruns last year with nine and could emerge as the Tigers’ top power hitter in 2020. While Clemson reloads at the plate, they will rely heavily on an experienced group of pitchers. Davis Sharpe had a superb freshman campaign, going 7-4 with a 3.20 ERA. He also is a quality hitter, but he should be the ace of this staff. Mat Clark was also a regular starter and posted a 3.21 ERA. Jackson Lindley, Jacob Hennessy and Keyshawn Askew all started at least six games last season. The return of Spencer Strider will add even more options to the starting rotation. Strider was a Freshman All-American in 2018 after making 22 appearances and six starts with a 4.76 ERA. Whether a long reliever or a starter, having a healthy Strider in the mix will provide Coach Monte Lee with a wealth of options. Add in closer Carson Spiers and this is a Clemson team that can win plenty of games with their pitching.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Baseball Tournament
