Second Inning Explosion Lifts Clemson over UNCG
By: rmacrae@bellsouth.net March 8, 2024

CLEMSON —  The 10th-ranked Clemson Tigers defeated UNC Greensboro 12-5 Friday afternoon at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

Clemson exploded for eight runs in the second inning as Jarren Purify and Cam Cannarella hit back-to-back home runs and cruised from there.

Austin Gordon returned to the weekend starting rotation on Friday night. The righty threw 88 pitches and gave up five earned runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings of work.

The Spartans (8-5) jumped on Gordon in the top of the second inning scoring four runs on six hits.

However, the Tigers answered quickly. In the bottom of the second Andrew Ciufo singled.  With one out Jacob Hinderleider was hit by a pitcher, before Purify hit a three-run bomb to the top of the Chapman Grandstands in left field.

Cannarella followed with a solo home run to right center to tie the score at 4.

Will Taylor then walked and advanced to third on Blake Wright’s double.  Taylor later scored on a wild pitch and Wright advanced to third.  Alden Mathes and Jimmy Obertop walked to load the bases. Ciufo singled up the middle to score Wright and Mathes.

With two outs Hinderleider singled to score Obertop and Ciufo. After two innings, Clemson led 8-4.

In the bottom of the fourth Ciufo walked before Nawrocki singled to left.  Both players stole a base to put runners on second and third. Hinderleider singled up the middle to score Ciufo and Nawrocki.  After four the Tigers led 10-4.

UNC Greensboro plated one run in the top of the fifth, but Clemson added an insurance run in the fifth. With one out Mathes singled to right. Obertop single to left advancing Mathes to third. Mathes scored on a Ciufo sacrifice fly to right. After five the Tigers led 11-5.

In the seventh Mathes singled with two outs and stole second. Obertop doubled over third scoring Mathes.

With the victory, Clemson moved to 11-1.  The Tigers and Spartans are scheduled to play Game 2 of the three-game series at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!