Tigers Defeat Turtles to Begin Grueling Week

Clemson needed this series against Maryland to pad their resume and have a shot at hosting a Regional. It would've been better to sweep this one, and I'm disappointed that we didn't, but it was a must-win at home to have a shot at hosting.

We'll have games all but one day this week, a home & home with Furman Tues/Weds and begin another home series next weekend before getting FSU the following. Technically we should sweep this week, but I'm not certain at all that the pitching staff can hold out, particularly when we have to reach back and send the guys out who haven't done well this season.

Friday - Maryland 7-2

Clemson got dominated by senior southpaw Jimmy Reed. Over 8 innings, he allowed 2 runs on a 2-run HR to Shane Kennedy in the 4th, and struck out 11 Tigers.

Goose didn't have it this night. He couldn't command the offspeed pitches, and 3 of the runs he gave up in the 2nd were due to a wild pitch, a passed ball, a walk, and a HBP. Three of his 4 runs allowed were unearned, but it was his doing. Nothing worked this time. Jonathan Meyer relieved him and was beat up for 7 hits and 3 runs in 3.1 innings.

Maryland should've beaten us worse than they did, leaving 15 on the bases. They outhit Clemson 14-4 and Clemson made 3 errors defensively.

The only Tiger with multiple hits was Jay Baum, who went 2-for-3.

Monday Game 1 - Clemson 3-2

The games were moved due to weather threats and the Tigers and Terps played a split DH today, with us taking both to clinch the series.

Zach Erwin got the start and pitched very well. Over 6 innings, he allowed 5 hits, a single run, while walking 1 and striking out none. Patrick Andrews gave up a run in the 8th, and Firth registered his 4th save with a shaky 9th, but struck out the side.

Maryland's Jake Stinnett pitched well also, we just got a couple more timely hits than they did. Maryland still outhit Clemson 10-5.

Clemson took the lead in the 2nd. Shane Kennedy hit a 1-out single and stole 2nd base, and McGibbon squeezed a 2-out single through the left side of the infield to plate him.

In the 6th, Clemson regained the lead to make it 3-1. Tom Brittle walked, and Wilkerson bounced one over the 1Bs head down the line. After a botched pickoff move moved Wilkerson to 3rd, Duggar walked, and Boulware hit a Sac Fly to RF.

Wilkerson went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and McGibbon went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Monday Game 2 - Clemson 9-5

Crownover just keeps putting up quality starts time after time. He went 6 scoreless, giving up 4 hits and 1 walk for his 6th win.

He could relax because we gave him 4 runs in the 1st and another 3 in the 5th off starter Alex Robinson. We plated the first 4 with 2-out singles from Duggar, Kennedy, McGibbon and Brittle, along with 2 walks. Three more came in the 5th thanks to 3 more singles, a walk, and a Sac Fly.

Schmidt came on in relief of Crownover and stunk, giving up a hit, a walk, and 3 runs, which were aided by 2 errors. JoMo did his usual worst and stunk it up, allowing 2 more to follow before Kent and Campbell finished it up for his 7th save.

5 Tigers had 2 hits apiece: Wilkerson, Duggar, Boulware, Kennedy, and Krieger. 3 Tigers had 2 RBI apiece: Krieger, McGibbon, and Brittle.