When the La Salle University Explorers come to Clemson for this weekend’s series, it will be a homecoming for their head coach. The Explorers are led by David Miller, a Philadelphia native and member of the Tigers’ baseball program from 1993-1995. Miller, who played in the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds organizations, has been the coach of La Salle for 5 season, but this is his first season back since 2021. Why the gap? Well, because this is La Salle’s first baseball season since the University dropped
the program in 2021. Covid related budget cuts led to the end of many college athletic programs (including Furman’s baseball program) but fortunately for the Explorers, it was a relatively short lived absence. The University announced they were bringing back baseball in 2024, and the Explorers have made their return in 2026 with Miller back in the saddle. During the hiatus, David Miller coached D3 Penn State Abington in 2022, and then came back to the Division 1 ranks coaching Manhattan in 2023 and 2024.
So, what do the rebuilt Explorers look like? La Salle has gotten back into a groove quickly, starting the year at 8-2. They opened the season by sweeping University of Maryland-Eastern Shore in 3 games. They have a pair of midweek losses to Delaware, won 2 of their games against Delaware State before the series finale was postponed, and swept Coppin State last weekend.
The Tigers kept their momentum rolling into Wednesday night by crushing Michigan State 12-1 in Greenville, a game that ended with a run-rule walk off homer by Jay Dillard. This series, however, will have a different feel. For one, it is a 4 game tilt. There will be a 4:00 PM first pitch on Friday, a double header on Saturday with Game 1 getting started at noon, and then a finale at 1:00 PM Sunday afternoon. Having an extra game should hopefully mean we get a chance to see a lot of different Tigers get some looks. It will almost certainly mean the Tigers will learn more about their bullpen. Erik Bakich made the interesting announcement following the Michigan State game that Aiden Knaak will not start this weekend. Fortunately, it isn’t injury or performance related; the Tigers’ staff just want to give Knaak a weekend of rest. Erik Bakich stated that this was a part of Clemson’s “master plan” to help keep the Tigers healthy and playing their best ball later in the season. The good news is that Talan Bell and Drew Titsworth will both have elevated pitch counts this weekend. This should be a really good opportunity to let those guys get more of a look and hopefully help get them another step closer to 100%. Not to overlook La Salle, but this weekend does feel like it can function as almost a Spring Training type series for Clemson, with more games giving more guys playing opportunities, and possibly even a chance to see starters get extended looks at other positions. After a gritty series win over South Carolina that had a postseason feeling this is probably just what the Tigers need before the Tigers head into a week that includes facing the always dangerous Georgia Southern Eagles in North Augusta, SC, and then the opening of ACC play when Clemson hosts Omaha contender Georgia Tech next weekend.
A shoutout to our friends at Section 103:
Section 103 has been partnering with Shakin’ the Southland this season, and I just really want to brag on those good folks. This week I received my Clemson Palmetto Logo Map Pattern Performance Polo from them, and this is such a quality shirt. The design is incredible, featuring the Clemson baseball C over the Palmetto logo that you see many of the players and coaches wearing in the dugout, and the orange and white all over print of the state of South Carolina is ideal for reminding your Gamecock family and friends who actually runs this state. I love the way this shirt fits, being not too tight or too loose, and the performance material is second to none. This is an ideal shirt for game days, golfing, the office, or pretty much anything you can think of. They have great polos in men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes, so you can have the whole family looking game ready. Be sure to check out all of their great products and use our promo code STS10 for 10% off your next order.
