Clemson baseball lost 6-3 to USC Upstate, continuing their struggles this season. Coach Erik Bakich viewed the game as a potential setback rather than a turnaround opportunity.
Key points
Clemson baseball lost 6-3 to USC Upstate
Clemson is last in the ACC
USC Upstate controlled the game from the second inning
Coach Erik Bakich saw the game as a potential setback
Mentioned in this story
Erik Bakich
Clemson baseballUSC Upstate
Why struggling Clemson baseball had major problems in loss vs USC Upstate
Clemson baseball coach Erik Bakich never saw this midweek game at USC Upstate as a chance for his struggling team to start turning it around against a local mid-major.
He saw it as another potential setback, and he was correct.
Clemson, last place in the ACC, didn’t get the feel-good game it desperately needed May 12 in Spartanburg. USC Upstate beat Clemson, 6-3, at Fifth Third Park and was in control from the second inning.
“I know they are a quote mid-major, but we don’t see them that way,” Bakich said. “They just kicked our butts.”
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.
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.
Q&A
What were the key issues for Clemson baseball in their loss to USC Upstate?
Clemson baseball struggled with performance, failing to capitalize on opportunities and allowing USC Upstate to control the game from the second inning.
How did Clemson baseball perform in the ACC standings before the game against USC Upstate?
Before the game, Clemson was in last place in the ACC, indicating a challenging season for the team.
What was the final score of the Clemson vs USC Upstate baseball game?
The final score was 6-3 in favor of USC Upstate.
Who is the coach of Clemson baseball and what was his perspective on the game against USC Upstate?
Clemson baseball is coached by Erik Bakich, who viewed the game as a potential setback for his struggling team.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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 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.
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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 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.
The Tigers wouldn’t seem to have taken this game lightly, not after losing to USC Upstate, 7-3, at home in a 2025 NCAA regional.
Clemson (30-23) won’t play host to a regional this year and likely won’t even make the NCAA Tournament without winning the ACC tournament next week. The Tigers will finish the regular season May 14-16 at Virginia Tech.
USC Upstate (26-27) is in fourth place in the Big South.
“They are very capable,” Bakich said. “They have multiple guys throwing mid-90s. They have good players all over the field. They’re well-coached. We knew that going in. (USC Upstate coach) Kane Sweeney does a good job. They were the better team tonight, so I wouldn’t call them a mid-major.”
USC Upstate’s big win started with small ball that led to a big inning. Spartans ninth-place batter Alex Ritzer beat out a bunt with two on and one out in the second. Clemson made an error on the play to keep the runners moving, and USC Upstate went on to score four runs.
At the end of the frame, USC Upstate had a 5-1 lead and Clemson starting pitcher Dylan Harrison was out of the game.
“They executed a perfect safety squeeze with the nine hole. You couldn’t roll it any better,” Bakich said. “We didn’t collect an out on the bunt. We need to minimize the big innings. We’ve been good at that at times. We were not good at that tonight.”
Clemson beat USC Upstate 7-2 on April 21 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Since then, the Tigers are 4-7. They were swept by Louisville, took two of three against Boston College, beat Coastal Carolina, and lost two of three to Florida State.
“It’s in there,” Bakich said. “We’re just not consistent. That’s coaching. I just have to be better. I have to find a way to be better. The players have to have a sense of urgency. We’re not going to stop coaching. We’re not going to stop playing.”
Todd Shanesy covers high school athletics for the Greenville News, Spartanburg Herald-Journal and Anderson Independent Mail in the USA TODAY Network. Contact him by email at todd.shanesy@shj.com. Follow him on X, formerly called Twitter, at @ToddShanesySHJ.
