Michael Sharman went eight strong, and Nate Savoie hit two home runs as Clemson knocked off No. 9 Virginia 5-1 to even up the weekend series on Friday at Disharoon Park.

Sharman did what he’s done most of the season in picking up the win (5-1), allowing just one run on six hits. He struck out seven and only walked one. Hayden Simmerson held it down in the ninth, sitting the Cavs down in order to finish it off.

Savoie was 3-for-5 with three runs driven in. Luke Gaffney also finished 3-for-5, while Bryce Clavon was 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI.

Just like they did in the series-opener, the Tigers (25-15, 6-11 ACC) got on the board first when Savoie hit an 400-foot opposite-field solo home run with two outs in the third gave Clemson an early 1-0 advantage.

The Cavaliers (25-13, 11-9) knotted it up in the fifth. After AJ Holmes doubled to lead off the frame, he moved to third on a groundout. AJ Gracia was then walked, putting runners on the corners. Joe Tiroly then hit into a fielder’s choice, which played Holmes from third, tying the game at 1-1.

Savoie’s second homer, a 423-foot two-run shot out to left in the seventh, put the Tigers back out in front, 3-1. The ball had an exit velocity of 114 mph and marked Savoie’s 13th home run of the season.

After Tryston McCladdie grounded out, Jacob Jarrell and Gaffney had back-to-back two-out singles. Clavon followed with a single that brought Jarrell home, giving Clemson a 4-1 lead.

The Tigers then loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the eighth. After Savoie went down swinging, McCladdie worked a walk, pushing across a run, making it 5-1. Jarrell and Gaffney both followed by striking out, stranding all three runners.

Up Next

The series concludes on Saturday at Disharoon Park with first pitch at 1 p.m.