By Trey McCurry.

CULLOWHEE, NC — Here is a look back at Clemson’s (12-11) 19-2 win at Western Carolina (9-12) on Tuesday evening at Hennon Stadium.

What happened?

The Tigers struck first with a single run in the first inning as Steven Duggar led off with a double and later came in to score on a two-out RBI single from Chris Okey. The Catamounts answered right back, scoring two runs in the bottom of the frame on two hits and three walks. Clemson took the lead for good in the top of the second as they scored four runs on two hits to take a 5-1 lead. The Tigers did not stop there as they added eight runs in the fifth on only six hits. Clemson added more insurance later in the game, scoring four runs in the sixth and two runs in the ninth to coast to a 19-2 win.

Game-Changing Moment:

The game changed in the first three innings. While the Tigers were able to push across five runs on four hits in the first three frames, Western Carolina only managed a single run in the three innings while stranding eight runners. The Catamounts never mounted a serious threat past the third inning while Clemson kept extending the lead.

What went right?

Four Tiger relievers combined to pitch 8.0 scoreless innings, highlighted by 3.0 innings of three-hit ball by Jake Long in his season debut. Offensively, 11 different players recorded a hit led by three hits each from Okey and Eli White. Four players had multi-hit games while six players had at least two RBI. For the game Clemson totaled 17 hits, six for extra bases, and seven walks along with two HBPs. 

What went wrong?

Taylor Vetzel struggled in his first career start, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks in a single inning. Kyle Schnell got into a couple tight spots in the second and third innings, but was able to work his way out of both jams. Overall, the Tigers walked seven players in the first three innings.