The No. 9 Virginia baseball team secured a 5-4 victory over the Clemson Tigers at Disharoon Park on April 18, clinching the weekend series despite missing key players AJ Gracia and Eric Becker.
The win is significant for Virginia as it marks their fifth Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) series victory of the year, highlighting the team’s depth and resilience in overcoming absences in their lineup.
Harrison Didawick played a central role in the Cavaliers’ success, hitting two home runs—including an inside-the-park leadoff homer on the first pitch—and making crucial defensive plays with two diving catches in the ninth inning. Starter John Paone struck out seven batters across more than four innings but did not factor into the decision. Lucas Hartman earned his eighth win of the season. Offensive support came from Joe Tiroly and Sam Harris, who each hit home runs, while Antonio Perrotta contributed with a double as part of a two-hit day.
Coach Chris Pollard praised his team after the game: “Incredibly tough. I could not be prouder of this group. We got a great start by John Paone when we needed it, but the conversation today starts and ends with Harrison Didawick. He is the heart and soul of this group. He is unbelievably tough and he played great defense while coming up with some clutch hits. I am so proud of that dude and he deserves all the success that he is having.”
With this result, Virginia improves its all-time record against Clemson to 62 wins and 111 losses; since 2006, they have won nine out of twelve series between these teams. Didawick’s performance also made him only the second player in program history to reach forty career home runs.
Looking ahead, Virginia will finish its mid-April homestand by hosting Liberty Flames at Disharoon Park on Wednesday, April 22.
