Clemson baseball's top two starting pitchers will start in their final ACC series against Virginia Tech from May 14-16. Michael Sharman will pitch Game 2, while Aidan Knaak is set for the finale.
Key points
Clemson baseball's final ACC series is against Virginia Tech
Michael Sharman will pitch Game 2
Aidan Knaak will start the finale
Clemson's record is 30-23, 9-19 in ACC
Virginia Tech's record is 27-22, 13-14 in ACC
ClemsonVirginia Tech
Clemson baseball's top two starting pitchers to start in final ACC series
CLEMSON — Clemson baseball's top two starting pitchers are expected to pitch in the Tigers' final ACC series.
Clemson (30-23, 9-19 ACC) is facing Virginia Tech (27-22, 13-14) in a three-game series from May 14-16 at English Field in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Michael Sharman (6-1, 3.25 ERA) is expected to pitch in Game 2, and Aidan Knaak (2-6, 5.27 ERA) will start in the finale, according to the school. It is unknown how long both will pitch as winning the series against the Hokies won't impact Clemson's NCAA Tournament standing.
After losing its series to Florida State on May 10, Clemson coach Erik Bakich said "Everything's on the table" regarding Clemson's starting pitching rotation because the Tigers' only path to a fourth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance isn't determined by winning that series.
USC Upstate senior Alex Ritzer (5) reaches first base as Clemson infielder Luke Gaffney (16) recovers the ball during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Q&A
Who are Clemson baseball's starting pitchers for the final ACC series?
Michael Sharman and Aidan Knaak are the starting pitchers for Clemson in the final ACC series.
When is Clemson's final ACC series against Virginia Tech?
Clemson's final ACC series against Virginia Tech is scheduled from May 14-16.
What are the current records of Clemson and Virginia Tech baseball teams?
Clemson has a record of 30-23 and 9-19 in the ACC, while Virginia Tech has a record of 27-22 and 13-14 in the ACC.
Will the outcome of the series against Virginia Tech affect Clemson's NCAA Tournament chances?
No, winning the series against Virginia Tech will not impact Clemson's NCAA Tournament standing.
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USC Upstate junior Wyatt Land (16) pitches to Clemson during the top of the first inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson Head Coach Erik Bakich during the top of the sixth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate senior Alex Ritzer (5) is congratulated by teammates after scoring the sixth run of the game against Clemson during the bottom of the sixth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. USC Upstate won 6-3.
Clemson infielder Tyler Litchenberger (8) makes a diving catch against USC Upstate during the bottom of the sixth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate freshman Andrew Kummer (37) pitches in relief and ends the game against Clemson during the top of the ninth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. USC Upstate won 6-3.
USC Upstate junior Wyatt Land (16) pitches to Clemson during the top of the first inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate junior Wyatt Land (16) pitches to Clemson during the top of the first inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) scores against USC Upstate during the top of the first inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson infielder Tryston McCladdie (4) doubles against USC Upstate during the top of the first inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate sophomore Maloy Heaghney (2) scores during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson sophomore Jarren Purify (23) throws out a USC Upstate runner at first during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson pitcher Dylan Harrison (44) pitches to USC Upstate during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson pitcher Dylan Harrison (44) pitches to USC Upstate during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate senior Alex Ritzer (5) scores against Clemson during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson Head Coach Erik Bakich during the top of the third inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate junior Max Bianchini (7) pitches to Clemson during the top of the third inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Fans watch Clemson play USC Upstate during the top of the third inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate Head Coach Kane Sweeney talks with USC Upstate senior Preston Lucas (12) during the top of the third inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate junior Jack Gibson (38) pitches to Clemson during the top of the fourth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate Head Coach Kane Sweeney talks to an umpire in the game with Clemson during the top of the fourth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson pitcher Landon Fowler (40) pitches to USC Upstate during the bottom of the fifth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Spartanburgers minor league baseball team store during the bottom of the fifth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate sophomore Maloy Heaghney (2) runs after hitting a ball against Clemson during the bottom of the sixth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate senior Alex Ritzer (5) is congratulated by teammates after scoring the sixth run of the game against Clemson during the bottom of the sixth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. USC Upstate won 6-3.
Clemson infielder Tryston McCladdie (4) hits a fly ball against USC Upstate during the top of the seventh inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson pitcher Nathan Dvorsky (20) pitches to USC Upstate during the bottom of the seventh inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate freshman Jacob Kirby (31) pitches in relief to Clemson during the top of the eighth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Team store where the Spartanburgers minor league baseball plays seen during the top of the eighth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson bats against USC Upstate during the top of the eighth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson sophomore Justin LeGuernic (33) pitches in relief against USC Upstate during the bottom of the eighth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson players clap as Clemson sophomore Justin LeGuernic (33) pitches in relief to USC Upstate during the bottom of the eighth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
USC Upstate freshman Andrew Kummer (37) pitches in relief and ends the game against Clemson during the top of the ninth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. USC Upstate won 6-3.
USC Upstate freshman Andrew Kummer (37) pitches in relief and ends the game against Clemson during the top of the ninth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. USC Upstate won 6-3.
USC Upstate Head Coach Kane Sweeney shakes hands with Clemson Head Coach Erik Bakich after the game at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate senior Alex Ritzer (5) reaches first base as Clemson infielder Luke Gaffney (16) recovers the ball during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
1 / 40
Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate senior Alex Ritzer (5) reaches first base as Clemson infielder Luke Gaffney (16) recovers the ball during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
2 / 40
Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate junior Wyatt Land (16) pitches to Clemson during the top of the first inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson Head Coach Erik Bakich during the top of the sixth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate senior Alex Ritzer (5) is congratulated by teammates after scoring the sixth run of the game against Clemson during the bottom of the sixth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. USC Upstate won 6-3.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson infielder Tyler Litchenberger (8) makes a diving catch against USC Upstate during the bottom of the sixth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
6 / 40
Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate freshman Andrew Kummer (37) pitches in relief and ends the game against Clemson during the top of the ninth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. USC Upstate won 6-3.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate junior Wyatt Land (16) pitches to Clemson during the top of the first inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate junior Wyatt Land (16) pitches to Clemson during the top of the first inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) scores against USC Upstate during the top of the first inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson infielder Tryston McCladdie (4) doubles against USC Upstate during the top of the first inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate sophomore Maloy Heaghney (2) scores during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson sophomore Jarren Purify (23) throws out a USC Upstate runner at first during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson pitcher Dylan Harrison (44) pitches to USC Upstate during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson pitcher Dylan Harrison (44) pitches to USC Upstate during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate senior Alex Ritzer (5) scores against Clemson during the bottom of the second inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson Head Coach Erik Bakich during the top of the third inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate junior Max Bianchini (7) pitches to Clemson during the top of the third inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Fans watch Clemson play USC Upstate during the top of the third inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate Head Coach Kane Sweeney talks with USC Upstate senior Preston Lucas (12) during the top of the third inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate junior Jack Gibson (38) pitches to Clemson during the top of the fourth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate Head Coach Kane Sweeney talks to an umpire in the game with Clemson during the top of the fourth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson pitcher Landon Fowler (40) pitches to USC Upstate during the bottom of the fifth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Spartanburgers minor league baseball team store during the bottom of the fifth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate sophomore Maloy Heaghney (2) runs after hitting a ball against Clemson during the bottom of the sixth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
25 / 40
Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate senior Alex Ritzer (5) is congratulated by teammates after scoring the sixth run of the game against Clemson during the bottom of the sixth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. USC Upstate won 6-3.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson infielder Tryston McCladdie (4) hits a fly ball against USC Upstate during the top of the seventh inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson pitcher Nathan Dvorsky (20) pitches to USC Upstate during the bottom of the seventh inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate freshman Jacob Kirby (31) pitches in relief to Clemson during the top of the eighth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Team store where the Spartanburgers minor league baseball plays seen during the top of the eighth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson bats against USC Upstate during the top of the eighth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson sophomore Justin LeGuernic (33) pitches in relief against USC Upstate during the bottom of the eighth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Clemson players clap as Clemson sophomore Justin LeGuernic (33) pitches in relief to USC Upstate during the bottom of the eighth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate freshman Andrew Kummer (37) pitches in relief and ends the game against Clemson during the top of the ninth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. USC Upstate won 6-3.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate freshman Andrew Kummer (37) pitches in relief and ends the game against Clemson during the top of the ninth inning at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026. USC Upstate won 6-3.
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Clemson Tigers baseball at USC Upstate Spartans, see our best photos
USC Upstate Head Coach Kane Sweeney shakes hands with Clemson Head Coach Erik Bakich after the game at Fifth Third Bank Park in Spartanburg, S.C. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Clemson needs to win the ACC Tournament on May 19-23 at Truist Field in Charlotte, North Carolina, in order to make the NCAA Tournament.
Bakich said both could be on a pitch limit if they play or not play at all depending on how Game 1 goes. Clemson will start Dane Moehler (0-2, 6.14 ERS) in the opener.
The Tigers have lost seven of nine ACC series and are tied for last place in the conference with Duke. Clemson's 18 conference losses are tied for the most defeats in a 30-game ACC schedule in program history since 2005.
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
