Photo Clemson Athletics
The Clemson Tigers have settled in quite the groove since losing two of three against West Virginia over opening weekend, having won each game since.
Against rival South Carolina, Clemson brought their big bats to the game early on, only to have to hold their opponent off to get the win.
Sophomore Weston Wilson tied his season home run total from a year ago in one night, as he went deep twice as the Tigers defeated the Game Cocks 11-4. His first home run was preceded by the first of the year for Chris Okey, who drove in three on the deep ball.
Entering the game, Matthew Crownover had yet to allow a run this season and after a shaky start it looked as if the junior was settling down. After striking out five batters in a row, and nine overall – Crownover hit a wall in the fourth.
South Carolina was able to claw their way back in the game and after a Connor Bright three run home run the Gamecocks brought the tying run to the plate on two separate occasions but couldn’t get any closer.
It was an odd night for both starters, as Crownover started strong – his opposition Wil Crowe struggled early and by the end of the third inning he had already allowed eight runs.
But as South Carolina’s starter settled down, you can feel them both slowly swapping momentum. Crowe would finish strong, pitching deeper into the game than Crownover and even struck out six batters of his own.
The middle of the order for the Tigers was strong against their top nonconference rival, combing to go 6-for-11 with five runs batted in and eight runs scored. Tyler Krieger continued his hot start to the season, with a three hit performance – he has also hit safely in each game this season.
Each time the heart of the Tiger’s order touched a base, they went on to score.
Just a freshman, Alex Schnell has already found himself in a big role for the Tigers – appearing in fourth game already this season. In what was the longest outing of his young career, Schnell pitched four innings of two hit baseball while earning the save.
The Tigers and Gamecocks split their series over three different sites, with each getting a home game and one being played at a neutral site. Saturday’s game will be the neutral site game with South Carolina hosting the Sunday game.
