What Erik Bakich said about Clemson baseball's 14-inning loss to UNC

What Erik Bakich said about Clemson baseball's 14-inning loss to UNC

CLEMSON — While Clemson baseball was facing No. 5 North Carolina in Game 2 of their three-game series, speakers blared behind the ballpark as a concert was getting ready to start.

This happened because Clemson vs. UNC went to 14 innings, with the Tar Heels winning 6-4 on April 11 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The game last 4 hours and 59 minutes.

It was Clemson's longest game since facing Georgia on the road on April 23, 2024, and its longest home game since the 2023 NCAA regional, when the Tigers lost to Tennessee in 14 innings.

Despite the game going for nearly five hours, Clemson coach Erik Bakich didn't blame attrition for the loss.

"We weren't tired," Bakich said April 11. "This is competition. This is big-boy sports, like nobody's tired out there. They may be fatigued, but they're not going to play tired."

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is congratulated after hitting a home run during the bottom of the fifth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is congratulated after hitting a home run during the bottom of the fifth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) rounds second base near University of North Carolina junior Gavin Gallaher (5) during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson pitcher Aidan Knaak (19) pitches against University of North Carolina during the top of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson infielder Jay Dillard (21) turns a double play against University of North Carolina during the top of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson Head Coach Erik Bakich during the top of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson infielder Tyler Litchenberger (8) bunts against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is tagged out at home by University of North Carolina junior Macon Winslow (6) during the bottom of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson team huddles before the game with the University of North Carolina at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

National Anthem before the game with the University of North Carolina at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson pitcher Aidan Knaak (19) throws the first pitch of the game against University of North Carolina during the top of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson pitcher Aidan Knaak (19) throws the first pitch of the game against University of North Carolina during the top of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Cheap Seats fans during the top of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson infielder Luke Gaffney (16) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is tagged out at home by University of North Carolina junior Macon Winslow (6) during the bottom of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson catcher Jacob Jarrell (9) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

Clemson catcher Jacob Jarrell (9) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

Clemson catcher Jacob Jarrell (9) reacts after hitting a double against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

Clemson infielder Tyler Litchenberger (8) bunts against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

Clemson infielder Jason Fultz Jr (10) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

Clemson pitcher Jackson Moore (26) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

University of North Carolina Head Coach Scott Forbes during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson outfielder Bryce Clavon (1) dives back to first under the tag of University of North Carolina junior Erik Paulsen (44) during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson outfielder Bryce Clavon (1) is tagged out at second base by University of North Carolina junior Gavin Gallaher (5) during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson infielder Jack Crighton (5) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) rounds second base near University of North Carolina junior Gavin Gallaher (5) during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) scores against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson infielder Luke Gaffney (16) bats during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson infielder Luke Gaffney (16) dives back to first under the tag of University of North Carolina junior Erik Paulsen (44) during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson players during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson infielder Tyler Litchenberger (8) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson pitcher Aidan Knaak (19) pitches to University of North Carolina during the top of the fourth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson fans during the top of the fourth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Jack Leggett and Clemson Head Coach Erik Bakich during the top of the fourth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson fans during the top of the fourth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson pitcher Aidan Knaak (19) pitches to University of North Carolina during the top of the fourth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson players walk though the stands to honor and thank veterans during the middle of the fourth inning of the game with University of North Carolina at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson players walk though the stands to honor and thank veterans during the middle of the fourth inning of the game with University of North Carolina at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is congratulated after hitting a home run during the bottom of the fifth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is congratulated after hitting a home run during the bottom of the fifth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is congratulated after hitting a home run during the bottom of the fifth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is congratulated after hitting a home run during the bottom of the fifth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is congratulated after hitting a home run during the bottom of the fifth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) rounds second base near University of North Carolina junior Gavin Gallaher (5) during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson pitcher Aidan Knaak (19) pitches against University of North Carolina during the top of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson infielder Jay Dillard (21) turns a double play against University of North Carolina during the top of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson Head Coach Erik Bakich during the top of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson infielder Tyler Litchenberger (8) bunts against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is tagged out at home by University of North Carolina junior Macon Winslow (6) during the bottom of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson team huddles before the game with the University of North Carolina at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

National Anthem before the game with the University of North Carolina at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson pitcher Aidan Knaak (19) throws the first pitch of the game against University of North Carolina during the top of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson pitcher Aidan Knaak (19) throws the first pitch of the game against University of North Carolina during the top of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Cheap Seats fans during the top of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson infielder Luke Gaffney (16) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is tagged out at home by University of North Carolina junior Macon Winslow (6) during the bottom of the first inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Jacob Jarrell (9) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Jacob Jarrell (9) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Jacob Jarrell (9) reacts after hitting a double against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson infielder Tyler Litchenberger (8) bunts against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson infielder Jason Fultz Jr (10) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson pitcher Jackson Moore (26) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the second inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

University of North Carolina Head Coach Scott Forbes during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson outfielder Bryce Clavon (1) dives back to first under the tag of University of North Carolina junior Erik Paulsen (44) during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson outfielder Bryce Clavon (1) is tagged out at second base by University of North Carolina junior Gavin Gallaher (5) during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson infielder Jack Crighton (5) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) rounds second base near University of North Carolina junior Gavin Gallaher (5) during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) scores against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson infielder Luke Gaffney (16) bats during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson infielder Luke Gaffney (16) dives back to first under the tag of University of North Carolina junior Erik Paulsen (44) during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson players during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson infielder Tyler Litchenberger (8) bats against University of North Carolina during the bottom of the third inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson pitcher Aidan Knaak (19) pitches to University of North Carolina during the top of the fourth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson fans during the top of the fourth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Jack Leggett and Clemson Head Coach Erik Bakich during the top of the fourth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson fans during the top of the fourth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson pitcher Aidan Knaak (19) pitches to University of North Carolina during the top of the fourth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson players walk though the stands to honor and thank veterans during the middle of the fourth inning of the game with University of North Carolina at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson players walk though the stands to honor and thank veterans during the middle of the fourth inning of the game with University of North Carolina at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is congratulated after hitting a home run during the bottom of the fifth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

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Clemson baseball vs UNC. See our best photos in Tigers' ACC series

Clemson catcher Nate Savoie (99) is congratulated after hitting a home run during the bottom of the fifth inning at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Friday, April 10, 2026.

Still, Clemson committed late-game errors that prevented the Tigers from earning their second straight ACC series win.

Right fielder Ty Dalley, who entered on defense in the 12th inning, dropped a ball in the 14th that allowed UNC to get runners on second and third base.

Dalley and center fielder Jackson Moore, who was there in place of starter Bryce Clavon, were going after the ball before Moore pulled back to let Dalley get it but could not secure.

Clemson made defensive substitutions in the 11th inning after Jarren Purify pinch-ran for third baseman Jason Fultz Jr. in the 10th. This led to others playing at unfamiliar positions.

"That was just a miscommunication," Bakich said. " . . . We just screwed it up. So I'm not gonna say that because we have different guys out there, we can't catch a fly ball."

MORE: Why Clemson baseball is already in danger of missing NCAA Tournament

After that error, Brendon Bennett entered as Clemson's seventh pitcher, replacing Dylan Harrison, and committed an error himself.

With the bases loaded and one out, UNC's Tyler Howe reached first on an RBI fielder's choice to score the go-ahead run, then the Tar Heels scored another after Bennett missed catcher Nate Savoie at home plate.

Both runs were unearned as North Carolina had its first lead since the top of the fourth inning.

Clemson's fielding errors came after the Tigers failed to score runs with runners in scoring positions in the ninth, 10th and 11th innings.

Clemson was 2 of 14 hitting (.143) with runners in scoring position; the Tigers had entered the game hitting .303 in the same situation.

"We've let some games slip away, but we need to come out (April 12) and just have better execution in those opportunities to put the game away," Bakich said.

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

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What doomed Clemson baseball in 14-inning loss to UNC