Raleigh – NC State jumped on Clemson early with seven runs on three home runs and never looked back to take game two of the series 8-3 Saturday at Doak field.

Zack Erwin got rocked early as NC State jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning.  Erwin gave up two two-run home runs in the inning.  Zack went 1.0 innings and gave up five hits, six runs and six earned runs.

In the second inning Schmidt came in to replace Erwin after he gave up a triple and a walk.  Clate gave up a three-run home run to the first batter he faced and the Pack led 7-0.  Schmidt pitched well going 5.2 innings and giving up six hits, two runs and two earned runs.

A horrible call by the third base umpire hurt the Tigers as they threatened.  With one out Reed Rohlman walked and advanced to second on a single from Krieger.  Steven Duggar hit a ball that was just on the left field line.  The ball was clearly dropped, but the umpire ruled the ball a catch and then Rohlman was tagged out at third to end the inning.

Clemson got on the board in the fourth inning.  Chris Okey singled to center and then Weston Wilson hit a home run to right to cut the lead to 7-3.

The Tigers added a run in the fifth.  Tyler Krieger singled to right center.  Steven Duggar reached on a fielder’s choice.  Chris Okey doubled down the left field line and Duggar scored all the way from first.  After the  top of the fifth Clemson trailed 7-3.

NC State added an insurance run in the seventh with their fourth home run of the day.

The Tigers fell to 8-5 overall and 1-1 in the ACC with the loss.  Clemson and NC State will decide the series in game three played Sunday at 1 PM.