Clemson‘s season came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday after falling to Florida in walk-off fashion. However, before the game was decided, things got a little heated on both sides of the plate, leading to multiple ejections.
Tigers head coach Erik Bakich explained what happened in the case of first baseman Jack Crighton, who was ejected from the game after seemingly having nothing to do with the play.
“Jack Crighton was on second base and the check-swinging bunt happened,” Bakich said. “Jack Crighton is rounding third and on his way home, the tag happens and the inning is over, the way I look at it. Jack Crighton continued to run, then there was a push and an altercation and then Jack Crighton took a left turn and joined his teammates.”
The incident occured after getting the last out of the inning, an altercation between Gators pitcher Jac Caglianone and Tigers designated hitter Nolan Nawrocki occured after the two collided at first base. Crighton, who was on second base during the play, rounded third and was headed to the dugout when he approached the dispute.
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Upon replay review, it appeared that Crighton might have made slight contact with an umpire during the fracas when was on the scene of the pushing on the first base line. He was then thrown out of the ball game.
“The interpretation was he left his position on the bases to get into the altercation, and he was the one solely picked out to be ejected, which was a tough pill to swallow there,” Bakich said.
As a result of the unsportsmanlike conduct ejection, Crighton will miss Clemson’s next game — which now will not come until next season. If he were to enter the NCAA transfer portal, the suspension would carry over to whichever roster he’s on.
While Clemson ultimately came up short of its ultimate goal of reaching Omaha, the Tigers can hang their hats on completing a 44-16 season and coming within one swing of forcing a game three in the Clemson Super Regional. It was the first time Clemson had reached the Super Regional since 2010 and is the Tigers second-straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
Of course, the recent success can be credited to Bakich, who came in during the 2023 season and led the Tigers to a second place finish in the ACC before winning the regular season this past year. Entering year three, the future for Clemson baseball appears to be bright.
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