|
– |
South Carolina defeated Clemson 3-2 on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Clemson Athletics)
GREENVILLE – Andrew Eyester’s 11th inning scored Brady Allen with a winning streak in South Carolina’s 3-2 win over Clemson on Saturday at Fluor Field.
Clemson’s pitchers eliminated 21 Gamecocks, a record number of eliminations in one game in South Carolina history, but the Tigers’ basic mistakes and missed opportunities cost them the loss. The first game in the series rained and will be played on May 11 at Clemson. The teams play again on Sunday at Columbia at Founders Park (13:30 / SECN +).
Gamecocks wasted no time scoring in the first. Allen chose the middle in the first shot of the game and advanced to second place in a sacrifice match. Wes Clarke then pointed to the middle, scoring Allen for a 1-0 lead.
Sharpe settled in and made an excellent shot, including leaving a situation in the second inning where the Gamecocks placed runners in second and third without any elimination. Sharpe then struck the side to end the threat.
The Tigers were quiet until the start of the fourth. Dylan Brewer doubled the left field line to lead the inning and with an out, James Parker chose the middle and Brewer easily scored for the game 1-1.
The Gamecocks had the race back at the bottom of the board. Brennan Milone doubled down on the left field line to lead the inning and Jeff Heinrich quickly chose to score Milone for the 2-1 lead.
Sharpe threw four innings and gave up seven strokes, two runs, hit 10 and walked only one in his 89 shots.
The Tigers missed a golden opportunity in the sixth. Brewer chose one to talk about Parker. With a 3-2 count at Parker, Brewer ran on the field. The call on the plate was ball four, but Brewer took the bag after being marked on the helmet by the Gamecocks and was eliminated. The referees huddled together, but the call remained and the Tigers were unable to escape.
Mack Anglin made three strong entries for the Tigers, giving up three strokes and no runs while eliminating three.
That was until the ninth. Gamecock pitcher Brett Kerry passed ahead of Parker 0-2, but hung a ball that Brewer hit the Green Monster on the left, leveling the score 2-2 and giving Tigers new life.
The Tigers missed another opportunity on the 11th. Brewer walked in a 3-2 count to start the inning, and Bryar Hawkins chosen through the right side to place the runners in first and second with no exit. But the base race cost Tigers again – third base coach Bradley LeCroy waved to Brewer for third place, but Brewer slammed on the brakes and came in second. That brought Parker, who jumped for a double that took Brewer to third place. Jonathan French jumped to end the threat.
Two doubles and a single gave Gamecocks victory in 11th place.
Clemson offers elite Texas QB
WATCH: Clemson football Vlog returns to look behind the scenes
4-star OT has Clemson in top schools, announces offer