Clemson baseball is entering a crucial stretch of the postseason, and head coach Erik Bakich has made some key announcements that outline how the Tigers plan to approach their pitching rotation. During a recent appearance on SportsTalk, Bakich confirmed that sophomore right-hander Aidan Knaak will take the mound to start Wednesday’s game against Virginia Tech. This decision comes at a pivotal moment for the Tigers, as they look to advance deeper into the ACC Tournament and position themselves for a strong NCAA Tournament run.
Knaak has been a standout performer for Clemson all season. He’s been one of the most reliable arms in their rotation, consistently delivering quality starts against tough ACC competition. Known for his command, poise, and ability to miss bats, Knaak brings a level of consistency that Bakich and the coaching staff can trust. His fastball has shown good life, and his off-speed offerings have developed nicely over the course of the season. In high-stakes situations, Clemson has often leaned on Knaak to set the tone, and that trust will once again be on full display when he takes the hill against Virginia Tech.
The implications of that first game are significant. Should Clemson win and Knaak pitch efficiently enough to keep the bullpen mostly intact, the Tigers would move on to Thursday’s contest with some flexibility. That’s where another name comes into focus: Drew Titsworth. The sophomore has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, earning praise from the coaching staff for his maturity and ability to handle pressure. Bakich confirmed that if Clemson wins on Wednesday and Titsworth remains unused out of the bullpen, he would get the start on Thursday. That’s a clear indication that the coaching staff sees Titsworth as a viable second-game starter, someone capable of keeping the Tigers in control of the tournament.
Titsworth’s season has been marked by growth. Early on, he was used in different roles — sometimes out of the bullpen, sometimes in spot starts — but as the year progressed, he earned more trust and responsibility. His fastball-slider combination has proven tough on opposing hitters, and he’s learned to manage innings better than he did as a freshman. One of his strongest outings came during a weekend series in April, where he went six scoreless innings with pinpoint control and minimal traffic on the bases. It’s outings like that which have helped him emerge as a reliable option for the Tigers in key games. If he gets the ball on Thursday, he’ll be pitching with both momentum and confidence.
Beyond Titsworth, the Tigers have one more intriguing arm they could turn to if the tournament progresses deeper: freshman left-hander Talan Bell. Bakich mentioned Bell as a possible third-game starter if he remains unused in the early stages. That’s a testament to Bell’s rapid development and the faith the coaching staff has in his abilities. Bell came into the program with strong high school credentials, and while he’s still refining his command and learning how to handle collegiate hitters, his stuff is electric. He’s the kind of pitcher who can change the tempo of a game when he’s on, and his presence gives the Tigers an extra layer of depth that could be critical in a tournament setting.
Bell’s usage will be interesting to watch. As a freshman, he hasn’t been overworked during the regular season, which keeps his arm fresh heading into the postseason. That’s important for a potential third-game starter, especially if the team finds itself in a must-win situation or in line for a spot in the tournament finals. Bell throws a lively fastball and a sharp breaking ball, and when he’s in sync mechanically, he can generate a lot of swings and misses. His role might depend on how the first two games go — if Knaak and Titsworth are efficient and the bullpen stays rested, Bell might be held in reserve for a later, more critical matchup. On the other hand, if either starter struggles or Clemson ends up in a loser’s bracket scenario, Bell could be thrust into action sooner.
The bigger picture here is that Clemson has options — a luxury that not every team enjoys at this stage of the season. Coach Bakich’s planning reflects the confidence he has in his staff and the depth that the team has built over the last couple of years. Since taking over the program, Bakich has emphasized not just talent acquisition, but also development. That approach is now bearing fruit. The Tigers aren’t just relying on one or two arms; they have multiple pitchers capable of stepping up, and that’s a huge advantage when facing the grind of tournament play.
There’s also a strategic layer to this. Clemson’s path in the ACC Tournament — and potentially the NCAA Tournament — will be shaped not just by who starts games, but how the bullpen is managed, how matchups are handled, and how pitch counts are controlled. It’s not just about who takes the mound; it’s about how long they can go, how effectively they can keep hitters off balance, and how much they can minimize damage. That’s where having experienced arms like Knaak and Titsworth, along with a high-upside freshman like Bell, makes a big difference. These are pitchers who give the coaching staff options, whether it’s stretching them out over six or seven innings or using them in shorter bursts to bridge the gap to the bullpen.
Speaking of the bullpen, it too will play a key role. The Tigers have relied on a mix of veteran relievers and younger arms throughout the season, and the hope is that a strong showing by the starters will keep the bullpen fresh and ready to deliver in tight spots. In tournament play, it’s often those middle innings — the fifth, sixth, and seventh — that can swing a game. If the bullpen is rested and reliable, that can be the difference between moving on and going home.
For Clemson fans, this is an exciting time. The team has played strong baseball throughout the season, and now they’re in a position to make a serious run. Much of that will hinge on the performances of Knaak, Titsworth, and possibly Bell. But it’s also a reflection of the overall health of the program. This isn’t a team scrambling to find answers on the mound. It’s a team with a plan, with depth, and with a coaching staff that knows how to manage the pieces.
Erik Bakich has made it clear that the Tigers are aiming high. These pitching decisions aren’t just about surviving the ACC Tournament — they’re about building momentum, staying sharp, and being ready for the bigger challenge ahead. If things go well this week, Clemson will not only have a shot at a conference title but could also be positioning themselves for a strong seed in the NCAA Tournament. In that setting, depth and preparation are everything, and the Tigers are showing they have both.
Whether Knaak sets the tone with another dominant start, whether Titsworth follows up with his own composed outing, or whether Bell makes his postseason debut with something to prove, Clemson’s pitching staff is ready. The blueprint is there, and now it’s a matter of execution. For a program with Clemson’s pedigree and ambition, this is exactly the kind of scenario they’ve been preparing for all year. And with Bakich at the helm and his pitchers lined up, the Tigers might just be poised for a special run.
