By Trey McCurry.

CLEMSON, SC — Here is a look back at Clemson’s (16-14, 7-7 ACC) 5-4 win in 11 innings over North Carolina (17-13, 6-8 ACC) on Saturday night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

What happened?

The Tar Heels got on the board first with a single unearned run in the top of the first inning. The Tigers took the lead with two runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth inning. Tyler Slaton led off the inning with a double down the right field line and came in to score two batters later on Tyler Krieger’s double down the left field line. Reed Rohlman followed with a single to center and Krieger came in to score on some head’s up base running on the throw back into the infield. North Carolina tied the game with a single run in the eighth to push the game to extra innings. In the top of the 11th, the Tar Heels plated two unearned runs to take a 4-2 lead. Clemson answered in the bottom of the frame, with some help from North Carolina. Steven Duggar worked a one-out, 10-pitch walk and moved to second base on a passed ball. Krieger worked a nine-pitch walk and Rohlman followed with a walk of his own to load the bases. After a wild pitch scored Duggar, Chris Okey was intentionally walked to re-load the bases. Eli White followed with a bouncer to shortstop but the first baseman muffed the throw allowing White to reach safely as well as the tying and winning runs to score.

Game-Changing Moment:

The game had several game changing moments. Both teams had several chances to take leads late in the contest but both pitching staffs were able to work out of jams. Finally in the last frame, the Tigers took advantage of four walks, a passed ball, wild pitch, and a Tar Heel error to pick up the series-clinching win.

What went right?

Zack Erwin was outstanding, allowing two runs (one earned) on nine hits with no walks and a season-high 11 strikeouts. Taylor Vetzel came out of the bullpen for the second night in a row and did a good job ending a threat in the 10th inning. Rohlman had three of Clemson’s five hits while Krieger and White each had one RBI. The Tigers also turned a season-high four double plays. 

What went wrong?

Clemson committed three errors leading to three unearned runs. The bats were quiet for most of the night as the Tigers had only five hits in the contest and hit .135 as a team in the game.