Tigers Drop Series But End Losing Streak In Raleigh

Game 1: NC State 3 Clemson 2

Charlie Barnes tossed a solid seven innings giving up seven hits and holding the Pack to two runs, but it was not enough as the Tigers dropped the opening game of the series. Weston Jackson and Seth Beer put the Tigers on the bored early on with one run home runs in the second and fourth innings, respectively. Owen Griffith came in the bottom of the eight to close for the Tigers, but gave up the go ahead run on a wild pitch. Clemson had some chances to tie it up in the top of the ninth, but base running and controversial calls kept the Tigers from scoring. Logan Davidson’s short bunt was promptly fielded by Pack catcher Andy Cosgrove who got the ball to second to get out pinch runner KJ Bryant. The play was close and looked as Bryant may have been safe. Monte Lee argued the call, but it was not reviewed or overturned. Reed Rohlman followed up with an outfield single, but Logan Davidsons indecision on the base path led to him getting caught in a run down between second and third to force the second out. Seth Beer proceeded to get called struck out looking on a questionable strike in a 3-2 count to end the game. Lee once again voiced his displeasure with the umpires, but it was to no avail.

Game 2: NC State 12 Clemson 10

Friday night’s game featured some late game fireworks as the Pack held on to take the series. NC State held a 5-2 lead going into the bottom of the eight and then exploded for seven runs to go up 12-2. Impressively, the Tigers did not give up and came close to rallying in the ninth with a five hit eight run inning, highlighted by Andrew Cox’s grand slam. State pitcher Sean Adler was able to come on to get the final two outs and end the game 12-10. Clemson starter earned his fifth loss of the season going six innings, giving up seven hits, five runs, and striking out seven batters.

Game 3: Clemson 15 NC State 6

Things looked up for the Tigers Saturday as the team ended their nine game ACC losing streak. Clemson got started off early with a five run third inning. The Tigers held a nice 7-1 lead going into the bottom of the sixth before the Wolfpack showed signs of life and put together a four run inning to cut the lead to two. Clemson followed up with a big six run top of the seventh, highlighted by Seth Beer’s and Reed Rohlman’s RBI doubles and Chris Williams’s big three run home run. Clemson tacked on two more in the top of the eight as the Tigers would go on to win 15-6. Pat Krall moves to 8-2 on the season after going 5.1 innings and giving up five runs on nine hits.

Clemson finishes the regular season 39-17 (17-13 ACC). Thirty nine wins is the most for Clemson in a regular season since the 2006 Tigers went 43-13 before going on to win the ACC Tournament and earning the number one overall seed in the NCAA tournament and making the College World Series. Clemson now heads to Louisville for the ACC Tournament at Louisville Slugger Field. The Tigers have earned the fifth seed in the tournament and will play in Pool D with fourth seed Virginia and ninth seed Duke. Clemson will begin tournament play Tuesday Night at 7:00 PM against Duke. The Tigers will then get Wednesday and Thursday off before facing the Cavaliers at 11:00 AM Friday. The winner of Pool D will face the winner of Pool A (#1 Louisville, #8 Florida State, and #12 Notre Dame) in a semifinal game on Saturday at 1:00 PM. The winners of the semifinals will meet in the championship game Sunday at 12:00 PM. All tournament games can be seen on Regional Sports Networks (RSN) and online via ACC Network Extra. For television information, please check http://www.theacc.com/page/2017-accbase-championship-on-rsn for your local station.