Clemson Baseball: Tigers Hold Off Charlotte 7-6

Charlotte paid a visit to Doug Kingsmore Monday afternoon, a day earlier than originally scheduled due to the threat of rain. The 19th ranked Tigers jumped out to a 6-0 lead early, then held off a late rally for a 7-6 win.

For the third consecutive game, the Tigers went with a true freshman on the mound in Keyshawn Askew. The young lefty did not disappoint in his first career start, holding Charlotte hitless though the first 5 innings.

It was another impressive performance by a freshman starting pitcher for Monte Lee's Tigers. Askew was brilliant up until running into trouble in the sixth. On the day he allowed 3 runs on 2 hits and a walk, while striking out 6 in 5.1 IP. It was an effort that didn't go unnoticed, as Askew recieved a standing ovation from the home crowd once his day was done.

Logan Davidson got the scoring started with a solo shot in the 1st, while Jordan Greene added a solo shot of his own in the 2nd for a 2-0 lead. Adam Hackenberg then launched a two run shot in the 4th giving Clemson a 4-0 lead. The Tigers would add two more in the 5th, one coming off a double steal that saw Logan Davidson swipe home on the catcher's throw to second, giving them what seemed to be a comfortable 6-0 lead.

Charlotte would then storm back in the 6th, scoring four runs on four hits, to cut the lead to 6-4. They'd add an unearned run in the 7th on a Holt Jones throwing error, making it a 6-5 game.

Bryce Teodosio then led off the 8th with a solo homerun putting the Tigers up two, 7-5. It was the fourth Clemson homerun of the game and proved to be the difference, as Charlotte was able to plate one more run (unearned) in the ninth.

Carson Spiers picked up his second save of the season, allowing one unearned run on one hit in 2 IP. He struck out three and walked a batter.

Clemson improves to 3-1 on the young season, while Charlotte suffers their first loss, and drops to 3-1.

Next up for the Tigers is Tennessee Tech with first pitch scheduled for 4pm Wednesday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.