No pitcher is satisfied giving up four runs, but most pitchers have not overcome cancer in three months either. Just being on the mound and starting for Clemson was an achievement in and off itself on Saturday for pitcher Clate Schmidt, but the senior did more than just make an appearance.

In his first outing since being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in late May of last year, Schmidt went five innings, allowing four runs on eight hits, while striking out five in Clemson’s 9-4 victory over Maine at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

The righty opened the game with a seven-pitch first inning, which included a strikeout of Maine’s Jeremy Pena. He also had one strikeout in the third inning, two in the fourth inning and one in the fifth. Schmidt threw 77 pitches overall, 53 for strikes before being taken out of the game in the sixth inning by head coach Monte Lee.

Speaking of Lee, Saturday’s win over the Black Bears was his first as Clemson’s head coach. It also marked the sixth straight season the Tigers have been 1-1 after two games.

Unlike Friday when the Tigers struggled to get any run support for Charlie Barnes and Alex Eubanks, they took advantage of one error, three hit by pitches and eight walks to jump on the Bears in the second and third innings. The the nine runs gave Schmidt plenty of room to work with.

Clemson (1-1) put up a five-spot in the bottom of the second inning. Adam Renwick doubled down the left field line to score Robert Jolly and Weston Wilson, while Reed Rohlman also doubled to right field to score Eli White.

After Maine (1-1) scored its first run in the top of third inning, the Tigers plated four runs in the bottom frame as White singled through the left side to score Wilson. Then Chris Okey drew a walk with the bases loaded to score Chase Pinder and Seth Beer followed with a single to center to score Rohlman and White with two outs. It was the first hit of Beer’s career.

Beer and Renwick both finished the afternoon with two runs driven in.

The rubber match in the three-game series will be on Sunday at 1 p.m.

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.