CLEMSON — The Clemson baseball team has gotten so good at playing from behind that they’ve become known as the “Cardiac Cats.”

The Tigers (32-5, 10-3 ACC) have routinely shown a propensity to fight back from a deficit and eventually come out on the other end victorious.

However, no comeback was necessary in Friday’s series-opening win over Stanford, as fourth-ranked Clemson jumped on the Cardinal early, plating two runs in the first, one more in the second and two more in the third. With Aidan Knaak on the mound and looking like the ace he is, the early 5-0 lead was more than enough.

Still, the Tigers would go on to add another run in the fourth and five more in the sixth to pick up an 11-1 run-rule win.

“I think that’s the recipe,” head coach Erik Bakich said. “Get a lead and keep a lead. It’s not usually our MO, we’re always playing from behind sometimes.”

Every player in the starting lineup reached base at least once. The Tigers pounded out 11 base hits, walked six times and then had four more batters hit by a pitch. They finished the night 4-of-11 with runners in scoring position and 6-of-15 with runners on base.

The offensive outburst came after Wednesday’s lackluster showing at the plate in a 4-2 win over Gardner-Webb. Clemson had just four hits in that one, with Collin Priest and Jacob Jarell each having two. Both of Jarrell’s were solo home runs.

“I just liked their mindset, especially after we played so poorly, I thought on Wednesday,” Bakich added. “To be able to just completely flush that and come right back out and kind of fire on all cylinders tonight. It was really important.”

Friday, everyone was getting in on the fun. Cam Cannarella finished with two doubles and an RBI. Preist had two more hits and drove in two. Andrew Ciufo also had two hits and scored a run.

Now, the Tigers look to carry that momentum into game two on Saturday. After taking the opener, Clemson will have an opportunity to clinch its fifth consecutive ACC series. Bakich’s team has yet to lose a weekend series this season. And a fast start is the recipe Bakich is looking for.

“I thought it was just a good tone setter, to be aggressive and facing really good,” Bakich said. “Our guys did a good job for the most part, holding the zone, taking our walks and getting some big doubles. And JJ’s two-run homer, as well. Just a good balanced attack offensively and certainly helps to play with the lead. Always.”