CLEMSON — Emotions got heated in the middle of the second inning of Sunday’s Super Regional game between Florida and Clemson at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

With a runner on second base and two outs, Clemson’s Nolan Nawrocki hit a dribbler on the first base side of the mound. Florida pitcher Jac Caglianone fielded the ball and tagged Nawrocki hard, who in turn lowered his shoulder and hit Caglianone in the base path.

The two then exchanged words and started to shove each other. A few players from Clemson’s dugout came out to defend their teammate. In the end, after a long delay as the umpires and the NCAA reviewed the incident, only one player was tossed and that was Clemson’s Jack Crighton, who was on second base and was rounding third base as the inning ended.

According to the NCAA, as told to all of us in the press box by a Clemson spokesperson, both dugouts received unsportsmanlike warnings. Crighton was tossed for leaving his position on the field because he went to the site of the potential altercation.

The incident and the umpires decisions fired up the Clemson crowd and team. After holding Florida to no runs in the bottom of the second, the Tigers responded with a three-run third inning to take a 3-2 lead.

Jacob Hinderleider had a one-out double to right centerfield to score Jarren Purify, who drew a lead-off walk. Then Blake Wright sent Caglianone’s first pitch to centerfield for a two-run home run.

The Gators came back in the bottom of the third and tied the game at 3-3.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!