No. 9 Virginia tops Clemson in first game of ACC baseball series

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - AJ Gracia hit a three-run homer in the second inning and Jake Weatherspoon hit a three-run double in the sixth inning to lead No. 9 Virginia to a 6-4 victory over Clemson at Disharoon Park on April 16.

The Cavaliers, who took a 1-0 lead in the series, improved to 27-12 overall and 11-8 in the ACC. The Tigers, who fell to 13-1 when scoring first, dropped to 24-15 overall and 5-11 in ACC play.

Clemson's Luke Gaffney belted a two-run homer, his fourth of the year, in the top of the second inning to score the game's first runs.

With two outs in the bottom of the second inning, Gracia laced a three-run homer to put the Cavs up 3-2.

In the top of the sixth inning, the Tigers' Jacob Jarrell crushed a solo homer, his 15th of the season, to tie the score at 3.

After a hit by pitch and walk loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning, Weatherspoon hit a three-run double to right-center.

Jarrell's fielder's choice in the eighth inning brought Clemson to within two, but the Tigers were unable to rally further.

Virginia starter Henry Zatkowski (6-0) allowed five hits, three runs and two walks with 10 strikeouts in seven innings. Tyler Kapa pitched the ninth inning to record his eighth save of the year.

Tigers starter Aidan Knaak (2-4) yielded seven hits, six runs and two walks with a team-season-high 10 strikeouts in 51/3 innings pitched.

The series continues Friday at 6 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.

Reach Andrew Miller at 843-937-5599. Follow him on Twitter @APMILLER_PandC

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 6:00 AM.