Clemson Baseball - Tigers Fall To Florida State in ACC Tournament Semis

Another Clemson-FSU matchup on the diamond, another great baseball game. This one for a spot in the ACC Tournament Final. Only problem was, this one went their way instead of ours, as the Noles got a late run in the ninth to break a tie en route to the 5-4 win.

After falling into an early 2-0 hole on a 2-run HR by Drew Mendoza in the 2nd, Clemson took the lead on a 3R HR by Chris Williams in the 4th -the third consecutive game Williams has hit a 3-run HR.

The Tigers would keep that one run lead until the 7th. FSU’s Mendoza drew a leadoff walk to start the inning, would eventually score on a Carson Spiers wild pitch, and the Noles tied it up without the benefit of a hit.

The Tigers went right back out in front by a run, 4-3 in the bottom half of the inning, thanks to a bases loaded walk to Seth Beer. FSU wouldn't stay down long however, as they tied it right back up at 4 in the eighth, when Jackson Lueck hit a solo HR to right center off of Spiers. The long ball would end Spiers night as the Tigers would then go to closer Riley Gilliam to try and limit any further damage. He hit the first batter, gave up a single and then a walk to load em up, with nobody out. Next up was Mendoza, who got caught looking for out number one, but not before Monte Lee was ejected after finally having enough of the home plate umps inconsistent work calling balls and strikes. Riley got the next batter swinging, before inducing a ground ball for the third out. It was a mighty impressive sequence for Gilliam, after having gotten himself in such a big jam.

FSU would take the lead in the ninth after Riley gave up a two out walk to Lueck, who then stole second, which would him to score on a Rhett Alpin, giving FSU the 5-4 lead, which would turn out to be the final.

The loss eliminates Clemson from the ACC Tournament and leaves them awaiting word on whether they'll get one of the Top 8 National Seeds.