Clemson used a seven-run fourth inning to beat head coach Monte Lee’s former team, the College of Charleston, 13-4 on Tuesday night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
Chase Pinder had two hits and four RBIs, including a double, while Chris Okey drove in two runs of his own as the 23rd-ranked Tigers improved to 12-0 in mid-week games. Clemson is 19-2 in non-conference games this year.
“Chase is one of the best lead off hitters in the league and in the country in my opinion,” Lee said. “He set the tone for us tonight.”
The fourth inning was a huge one for both College of Charleston and Clemson. Although Charleston scored four runs in the top of the inning, Clemson fired back with a two-out rally. Clemson finished the game with 15 hits.
“That is what good teams do. Good teams respond when you give up runs,” Lee said.
The Tigers (32-16) were able to bring home seven runs on eight straight hits to take the lead after leading off with two outs.
Weston Wilson started off the rally with a single followed by a base hit by Reed Rohlman. Chris Williams then hit the ball up the middle to score Wilson.
Designated hitter Robert Jolly followed with a base knock to left field, scoring Rohlman. That cut Charleston’s lead to 4-2.
Jordan Greene then singled, advancing on an error, which allowed Williams to come home.
Pinder helped Clemson take the lead on the next at-bat when he nailed a single to left, plating Jolly and Greene. A single by Eli White followed by a Chris Okey double, allowing the Tigers to score two more runs to end the rally.
“We wanted to get him (Greene) on base because Chase is one of our better hitters with runners in scoring position, so it worked out. Jordan had a really good day for us.”
Clemson ended the inning with seven consecutive hits and ended the inning with a 7-4 lead.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Pinder hit a two-RBI double to help Clemson bring home four more runs to secure the 13-4 victory over College of Charleston.