The Clemson Insider takes a look back at No. 6 Clemson’s 9-7 comeback win over Michigan State on Wednesday night at Fluor Field in Greenville.

What happened?

The Spartans (3-8) jumped to a quick lead with two first inning runs and added three more runs in the second for an early 5-0 advantage. Michigan State would add another run in the third to make it 6-0 and seemed in control of the game. The Tigers (12-1) would come roaring back in the fifth as they plated nine runs on seven hits on four walks to take a 9-6 lead. The Spartans cut it to 9-7 in the ninth and had the winning run on first, but Carson Spiers got out of the jam with an infield pop-up and a strikeout to preserve the win.

Game-Changing Moment:

The game changed in the fifth inning. With Michigan State on the verge of putting the game away, Clemson answered in a big way. Justin Hawkins led off with a walk before three consecutive one-out singles from Kyle Wilkie, Logan Davidson, and Seth Beer had cut the lead to 6-2. Patrick Cromwell walked to load the bases and Chris Williams followed with a RBI single to make it 6-3. Robert Jolly and Drew Wharton drew back-to-back bases loaded walks to bring the Tigers to within 6-5 and a Hawkins infield RBI single made it 6-6. Grayson Byrd gave Clemson a 7-6 advantage with a sac fly before two straight RBI singles from Wilkie and Davidson (both of their second hits of the inning) brought the score to 9-6.

What went right?

The Tigers had eight hits and took advantage of eight walks in the game in scoring an efficient nine runs. Davidson, Williams, and Wilkie each had two hits while Davidson drove in a team-high two runs. Holt Jones and Alex Schnell were outstanding in middle relief. Jones, who picked up his first win, tossed 2.1 scoreless innings while allowing only one hits while Schnell did not allow a run on two hits in 2.2 innings. Spiers, making his eighth appearance in 12 games, picked up his second save of the season by retiring the only two batters he faced. 

What went wrong?

The Clemson offense only had one hit outside of their big fifth inning. Defensively, the Tigers had two errors that led to two unearned runs. Spencer Strider struggled in his first career start, allowing five runs (three earned) on five hits in 1.1 innings. Mat Clark allowed a run on four hits in 1.1 innings while Ryley Gilliam continued to have some struggles out of the bullpen, allowing a run on two hits and a walk in 0.1 innings.