CLEMSON – With a ranked ACC series win and possible postseason hopes on the line, Clemson left seven runners on base and allowed 15 hits as the Tigers fell 6-3 to No. 12 Florida State at Doug Kingsmore Stadium Sunday.

Clemson’s leadoff hitter reached base in the first five frames, but only scored once as the Tigers finished 1-for-13 with runners on base, despite getting the first five leadoff hitters on.

Additionally, Clemson’s pitching staff and defense allowed traffic on the base paths in every inning, as the Tigers used five pitchers to Florida State’s three. Still, the Seminoles left 15 stranded.

Second baseman Jarren Purify continued his scorching week at the plate, finishing 3-4 with a triple, two singles single, and a run scored. Four other Tigers finished with hits, though Purify was the only Clemson player with a multi-hit game, his second triple-hit game this week.

Tigers (30-22, 9-18 ACC) starting pitcher Aidan Knaak made his 26th and probable final start at home Sunday, suffering a loss that brought his record 2-6 on the season and 12-2 all-time at Doug Kingsmore.

For the third time in the series, Florida State (36-15, 17-10 ACC) drew first blood. This time, it came with a leadoff solo homer that bounced off of the pole in the Cheap Seats, also known as the furthest point of fair territory down the right field line. 

The Seminoles added to the lead after Knaak issued two walks and two singles in the second for a 2-0 lead. A sacrifice fly brought in a third runner across the plate for a 3-0 lead before Clemson could escape the frame.

Clemson got its leadoff men on base in each of its first three offensive innings with singles from Nate Savoie and Jarren Purify, and a walk from third baseman Jason Fultz jr. However, Savoie was left stranded, Purify was caught stealing, and a double play sent Fultz back to the dugout.

The Tigers had two hits to Florida State’s six through three innings.

Seminole second baseman Carter McCulley blasted the second solo longball of the day in the fourth inning, extending the lead 4-0, after two quick outs from the Tigers’ defense. Knaak’s fourth strikeout of the afternoon ended the frame.

Again in the fourth inning, leadoff hitter Luke Gaffney singled to get some energy back into Doug Kingsmore, but a one-pitch pop up and the second hit into a double play of the day concluded any short-lived excitement.

Knaak finished his day after four innings of work, tied for his second-shortest outing of the year. The junior allowed four earned runs on eight hits, along with two wild pitches, two walks, and four strikeouts. His record fell to 2-6 on the year with the loss.

Right-hander Ariston Veasey entered in relief in the top of the fifth inning.

For the first time, Clemson got some offensive momentum in the bottom of the fifth, as Purify tripled to lead off the inning. Jack Crighton placed down a sacrifice bunt, and an error from the pitcher put him safely on first, scoring Purify and cutting the lead 4-1.

With his 2-for-4 finish, Purify is hitting .533 in the last four games. The triple was his first of the season and 36th RBI. One inning later, he sought to reach second on an error from Florida State’s shortstop, but was ruled out on the tag.

The Seminoles extended their lead in the sixth after a leadoff single, an error from shortstop Tyler Lichtenberger, and an RBI single. After the final single that made the score 5-1, Veasey was replaced with redshirt sophomore Brendon Bennett. Bennett pitched 1.2 innings, giving up no runs on two hits with four strikeouts. Drew Titsworth replaced him in the eighth.

Veasey’s final line featured 1.1 innings, with two hits, one unearned run, a walk, and two strikeouts. Despite loading the bases, Bennett escaped the sixth inning unscathed with a strikeout and a groundout.

A single from Crighton and two errors on the same play from Florida State’s first baseman allowed Clemson an unearned run, cutting the lead 5-3 to end the seventh. In the top of the eighth, Titsworth gave up a double and an RBI single to give the Seminoles their final run. Titsworth finished with one inning of work, finishing with one earned run, one walk, and one strikeout.

In the bottom of the same inning, a walk, a hit by pitch, and another single from Purify plated one more run for the Tigers.

Dion Brown finished out the game for Clemson on the mound, loading the bases, but getting out of the inning unscathed with a strikeout and two fly outs. Clavon drew a two-out walk in the bottom of the ninth, but he was also stranded.

Record Against

Clemson now trails 87-79 in the all-time series against Florida State, dating back to 1938. The Tigers still hold a 41-26 advantage over the Seminoles in home games, however.

Postseason Hopes

With a losing record in ACC-play, Clemson most likely needed to win the series against the Seminoles to have a chance at an at-large spot in the NCAA Tournament. Based on RPI rankings and where the rest of the season goes for the Tigers, their best bet may be winning the ACC Tournament to secure a bid.

The Magic Number

Clemson is now 6-22 this season when allowing its opponents five or more runs scored. The Tigers are 24-0 when holding opponents to four or fewer runs.

Up Next

The Tigers will look to pick up their final midweek win of the season this Tuesday, when Clemson will play USC Upstate (24-27) at Fifth Third Park in Spartanburg, S.C. It would mark the second win over the Spartans this season.