How Clemson baseball is having its best start since 2002, earned a top 5 ranking | The State

The biggest question mark for Clemson baseball entering the season has turned out to be the biggest strength through so far.

The Tigers enter this weekend’s series against N.C. State with a 16-1 record and ranked No. 5 by Baseball America. Clemson was unranked by some polls entering the season and was picked to finish third in the ACC Atlantic before the year.

Clemson has exceeded just about everyone’s expectations, and a pitching staff that holds a 2.68 ERA is the biggest reason why. The Tigers are second in the ACC in ERA, despite losing all three weekend starters from last season.

“I think if you look at our stat sheet, we’ve had 17 guys pitch. I’ve never coached a team where 17 games into…