The Irish baseball program is set to open the ACC Tournament on Tuesday evening, facing a familiar foe in Clemson at Truist Field in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally as both teams look to add momentum to their seasons.
A Mixed Record
Seeded tenth, Notre Dame brings a 30‑21 overall record and a 13‑17 mark in conference play, while the Tigers sit at 31‑25 overall with a 10‑20 conference slate. The Irish have struggled to keep opposing hitters in check, surrendering 53 home runs and averaging 4.1 walks per nine innings.
What’s at Stake
A victory would not only mark the Irish’s first tournament win since 2022 but also set up a showdown with seventh‑seeded Virginia Tech on Wednesday night. The stakes are heightened by a three‑game home sweep of Clemson in March, a highlight that adds confidence heading into the neutral‑site contest.
Pitching Challenges
Right‑hander Jack Radel leads the rotation with a 3.22 ERA and 108 strikeouts, yet the staff’s overall performance has been inconsistent. The team’s walk rate remains high, and limiting big innings will be crucial against a Clemson lineup that has dropped six of its final eight conference series.
Offensive Leaders
Offensively, catcher Mark Quatroni tops the lineup with a .373 batting average and 64 RBI, while center fielder Drew Berkland contributes a .638 slugging percentage and 15 homers. Sophomore Jayce Lee adds power with 12 homers and helps the Irish outscore opponents by 92 runs overall.
Looking Ahead
The matchup also carries a narrative of redemption, as the Irish look to reverse a three‑game losing streak in ACC tournament play under Coach Shawn Stiffler. A win would not only break the drought but also give the team a fresh start against Virginia Tech in the next round.