By Trey McCurry.
By Trey McCurry
DURHAM — Here is a look back at #14 Clemson’s 6-3 setback to #9 NC State on Wednesday at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
What happened?
The Wolfpack used a four-run seventh inning to break open a tight game in both team’s openers in the ACC Baseball Championship. With the win, NC State moves to 1-0 in pool play and the Tigers fall to 0-1 meaning that Clemson must win its final two games and have the Wolfpack lose their final two games to be able to make the Championship Game on Sunday.
Game-Changing Moment:
The game changing moment came in the bottom of the seventh inning. With the score tied at 2-2, NC State loaded the bases with one out. OF Jake Fincher broke the tie with a single to left followed by a double to left-center by C Brett Austin to play four Wolfpack runs.
Story Line:
NC State scored four runs on three hits in the seventh inning to break a 2-2 tie and went on to a 6-3 win over Clemson in the ACC Baseball Championships. The Wolfpack took advantage of a couple of Tiger miscues and got a couple key hits with runners on base while reliever Josh Easley shut down Clemson as NC State got a big win despite being outhit 8-6.
Turning Point:
The game came down to what each team did when it had the bases loaded. In the sixth inning, Clemson chased Wolfpack starter Brad Stone with three consecutive hits to start the inning but Easley got Garrett Boulware to ground into a double play as the Tigers were only able to get one run. In the seventh, NC State loaded the bases with one out but got key hits from Fincher and Austin to plate four runs.
What went right?
Garrett Boulware had a good day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double and a homer. Patrick Andrews had another good relief appearance, pitching 1.2 hitless and scoreless innings.
What went wrong?
The Tigers again were unable to get the key hit with the bases loaded and it came back to bite them. Clemson’s defense also made a couple of shaky plays that allowed two runs to score for NC State.
They said it.
Clemson Head Coach Jack Leggett on missed opportunities:
“I guess if we score three or four runs there, then momentum goes into our dugout, but we tied the game up at that point so we still felt like we were in it. We still had some other chances to build some things. You can always look at certain situations whether it is one hit or one at-bat, but it all comes down to more than that.”
Clemson Catcher Garrett Boulware
“You wish you could pick your at-bats and put your hits where you want them, but with the bases loaded, I mean we got a run, but you have to do something other than a double play, especially with my speed I’m not going to leg it out and beat the throw. I really wanted to drive one, but he got me off balance and I was out in front of it.”
Clemson Starter Daniel Gossett
“I started leaving balls up. They are a good hitting team and you can’t leave balls up on good hitting teams. I walked a couple of guys and then hit a guy. You have to be able to keep your composure and keep your command.”