Clemson Baseball Preview: Western Carolina

Western Carolina (6-39) vs. Clemson (36-12)

Time: Wednesday 6:30pm

Video: ACC Network( Fred Cunningham, Ron Smith)

Audio: Clemsontigers.com

Pitchers: LHP Corey Sikes (0-3, 7.80) vs. LHP Sam Weatherly (0-0, 5.40)

Not sure which is higher? Clemson’s ranking or Western Carolina’s win total. To say the Catamounts have struggled this season would be putting it kindly. After taking two out of three from Furman this past weekend, Western Carolina sits at a whopping six wins, that's not a typo. Granted it’s better then St. Peter’s record of 0-38 and on a 73 game losing streak so it could be worse.

The Catamounts come in hitting .261 as a team, lead by Justice Bigbie(.356 4HR 40 RBI) and Spencer Holcomb(.322 2HR 15 RBI). Their offense is much like Clemson’s with a low team batting average / high on base. The difference is home runs, Western Carolina only has25 compared to the Tigers 74. Despite the anemic hitting pitching is the main reason for their six wins. They come in with a team ERA of 7.28, and only have one pitcher Zach Franklin(3.24) with an ERA under 4.00.

Sam Weatherly will get the start for the Tigers, looking for career win #1. Hopefully the Tigers can jump out early via walks and homers to give guys who usually don't play a chance to see the field.

Next up this weekend, Clemson will go out of conference and host Austin Peay (29-20). First Pitch is Friday at 5:30pm