By Trey McCurry.

GREENVILLE, SC — Here is a look back at Clemson’s (8-7) 8-6 loss to Michigan State (7-7) on Wednesday night at Fluor Field.

What happened?

The Tigers struck first with a single run in the top of the first inning. Tyler Slaton drew a walk lead off the game, moved to second on a groundout, and came in to score on Reed Rohlman’s single up the middle. After the Spartans manufactured a run to tie the game in the second inning, Clemson quickly answered in the top of the third as Slaton led off the inning with a triple and came in to score on Steven Duggar’s RBI groundout. Michigan State again tied the game in the bottom of the inning and the Tigers retook the lead with a single run in the top of the fifth as Slaton walked, Tyler Krieger singled, and then Slaton came in to score on a double steal. The Spartans again answered, but this time in the form of a three-run homer to take a 5-3 lead. Michigan State would add another run in the sixth and two unearned runs in the seventh to stretch their lead to 8-3. Clemson cut into the lead in the eighth as Krieger led off with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch, third on a passed ball, and came in to score on Chris Okey’s sac fly to make it 8-4. The Tigers mounted one last push in the ninth with a two-out rally. Eli White singled, Slaton and Duggar each walked to load the bases, and Krieger picked up his fourth hit of the game with a bloop single to right to score two and cut the lead to 8-6. Clemson was unable to complete the comeback as a grounder to the pitcher ended the game.

Game-Changing Moment:

The game changed in the bottom of the fifth inning. With the Tigers leading 3-2, the Spartans first two batters reached and Clemson went to the bullpen. Michigan State first baseman Blaise Salter, who was 4-for-4, provided the big blast with a homer over the monster in left to put Michigan State up for good.

What went right?

Slaton moved back to the leadoff spot and was 1-for-2 with a triple, three walks, and scored four runs in the game. Krieger led the offensive attack with four of Clemson’s nine hits while also adding two RBI. Brody Koerner and Zack Erwin, each coming off short outings over the weekend, were also able to get an inning of work out of the bullpen while Drew Moyer threw a scoreless inning. 

What went wrong?

Despite taking an early lead, the Tigers were unable to create any separation throughout the early innings. Clemson starter Charlie Barnes was unable to get out of the fifth inning, as he allowed four runs on six hits and two walks, while the Tigers struggled in the middle innings as Michigan State scored six of their eight runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh in