The Clemson Insider looks back at Clemson’s 12-10 loss to NC State on Friday night at Doak Field.

What happened?

The Tigers (38-17, 16-13 ACC) again took an early 1-0 lead as Chase Pinder led off the game with a double, moved to third on a passed ball, and following a walk to Seth Beer came in to score on a double steal. The Wolfpack (33-21, 16-13 ACC) tied the game in the third on a wild pitch before a three-run homer in the fourth gave them a 4-1 lead. Clemson cut into the deficit in the sixth as Beer hit a one-out single and moved to third on a Chris Williams double before Andrew Cox hit a RBI single to make it 4-2. After a solo homer in the seventh gave NC State a 5-2 lead, the Wolfpack blew the game open in the eighth as they scored seven runs to stretch their lead to 12-2. The Tigers did not quit and put up a furious rally in the ninth. Logan Davidson led off with a single followed by walks to Jordan Greene and Grayson Byrd loaded the bases. Consecutive singles by Robert Jolly and Weston Jackson made it 12-4 but Clemson kept going as Reed Rohlman drew a bases loaded walk and Beer hit a RBI single to cut it to 12-6. Cox blasted a grand slam to bring Clemson within 12-10 but the Tigers could get no closer as NC State took the game and the series.

Game-Changing Moment:

The game changed in the eighth inning. Already leading 5-2, the Wolfpack battered four different Clemson pitchers for seven runs on five hits (including an inside the park grand slam) to take a commanding 12-2 lead.

What went right?

The Tigers did not quit as the offense came alive late and tallied 12 hits. Chase Pinder, Beer, Cox, and Davidson each had two hits while Cox drove in a game-high five runs.

What went wrong?

Clemson could not hold on to an early lead and the back end of the bullpen struggled as six total pitchers allowed 13 hits. Five of the Tigers 12-hits came in the ninth as the offense struggled to build innings and missed some scoring chances earlier in the game.