Instant Replay: Clemson 15 VT 8
By: rmacrae@bellsouth.net March 22, 2015

By Trey McCurry.

BLACKSBURG, VA — Here is a look back at Clemson’s (11-10, 4-4 ACC) 15-8 win over Virginia Tech (11-12, 4-4 ACC) on Saturday afternoon at English Field.

 

 

 

What happened?

The Hokies struck first with a run in the bottom of the first, but the Tigers wasted little time answering back as Glenn Batson hit his first career homer, a two-run shot, in the top of the second to take a 2-1 lead. After Virginia Tech tied the score with a run in the bottom of the frame, Clemson took the lead for good on a two-run single by Reed Rohlman as part of a four-run inning in the top of the third. Again, the Hokies scored a run in the bottom half of the inning but again the Tigers answered, this time with six runs on five hits, highlighted by Chase Pinder’s two-run homer to take a 12-3 lead. Virginia Tech scored a single run in the fourth to cut the lead to 12-4, but Clemson strung together five hits in the sixth to score three runs and expand the lead to 15-4. The Hokies would add two-run innings in the seventh and eighth but could get no closer as the Tigers clinched the series.

Game-Changing Moment:

The game changed in the third and fourth innings as Clemson plated 10 runs in the two frames to break open a tie game. In the third the Tigers scored four runs on four hits while scoring six runs on five hits (and a Tech error) in the fourth inning.

What went right?

The offense was outstanding as 11 players picked up a hit and five players had multiple RBI. On the day Clemson totaled 21 base hits, including eight for extra bases. Defensively, the Tigers did not commit an error for the second straight game and turned two double plays on the infield. Taylor Vetzel and Kevin Pohle each threw perfect innings in relief, while Alex Bostic retired the only batter he faced. 

What went wrong?

Brody Koerner did not have his best day, but his teammates had his back at the plate. In 5.0 innings, Koerner allowed four runs on nine hits and a walk with six strikeouts to earn his third win of the season. The Clemson bullpen had an up-and-down day as five relievers combined to allow four runs on five hits in 4.0 innings.