CLEMSON — The sixth-ranked Clemson Tigers have made a living this season getting behind big early and storming back to victory. In Saturday’s first game of a doubleheader that formula didn’t work as Pitt built an eight-run lead and Clemson never threatened, falling 8-4 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

Once again the Tigers gave up runs in the first inning. Pitt plated two in the first and added another run in the second to lead 3-0.

In the third inning a three-run bomb over the Chapman Grandstands helped Pitt stretch the lead to 7-0.

The Panthers (16-20, 5-15 ACC) added an insurance run in the top of the fourth inning.

Clemson got on the board in the seventh. Jarren Purify hit a leadoff single to left.

Nawrocki singled to center. With one out Purify scored on a ground ball by Cam Cannarella.  After seven the Tigers trailed 8-1.

Ethan Darden got the start for Clemson but struggled early. He gave up eight hits and five earned runs in two innings. Matthew Marchal relieved Darden but only lasted on inning giving up four runs in the third inning.

Jacob McGovern, Chance Fitzgerald and Nathan Dvorsky each pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

In the bottom of the ninth Jacob Jarrell walked before Cannarella singled.  With one out Blake Wright hit a three-run home run, his 15th of the season, to the Chapman Grandstands.

UP NEXT

With the loss Clemson fell to 31-7 overall and 12-5 in the ACC.  Pitt and the Tigers play game three of the series later Saturday afternoon to see who wins the series.