Has Clemson Found its Third Starter?

CHARLOTTE — During his time at nearby Seneca High School in Clemson, Jacob McGovern pitched in a lot of big-time baseball games. However, none of those experiences compared to what the true freshman experienced on Friday.

With No. 3 Clemson trailing Louisville by five runs in their final game of pool play in the ACC Championships at Truist Field, McGovern was tasked with shutting down a Cardinals offense that scored six runs in the first four innings.

And he did just that.

McGovern held the Cardinals scoreless after coming on in relief of Billy Barlow with one out in the fourth inning. The freshman went a career best 3 1/3 innings as he allowed one hit and struck out two with one walk, as the Tigers rallied for an 8-7 victory.

“It is a completely different environment than high school,” McGovern said. “When I had the ability to come in earlier in the season and get experience there, that is really what helped. I have been able to ramp up to these high leverage situations. It’s really been pretty comfortable.”

McGovern looked comfortable against Louisville, so much so head coach Erik Bakich says he might be inclined to start him in next week’s NCAA Regional.

“He grew up a lot today,” the Clemson coach said. “It is not like he came out of nowhere. He led the state of South Carolina in strikeouts as a senior. He may not have high velocity, but he is still able to make the pitches and locate.

“So, we learned (on Friday) Jacob McGovern could be a viable starter for us and can also pitch in relief and can also be trusted in high-level short relief. I think he opened everybody’s eyes that this could be a potential starter, or a potential (high-level reliever) and we need an extension, or we need whatever, we can count on him for sure.”

In nine appearances this year, McGovern has a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings of work. He has allowed just four runs (three earned) on 10 hits.

Clemson will find out who it will play in the NCAA Regional on Monday when the entire field is announced.

— photo courtesy of ACC Communications

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