COLUMBIA — Michael Sharman was dazzling for No. 15 Clemson as the left-hander went all nine innings in a 4-1 win over the rival Gamecocks on Saturday at Segra Park in Columbia. The win evens the series ahead to Sunday’s finale in Clemson.

Sharman was brilliant in picking up his third win (3-0). The lefty threw just 78 pitches, with 67 of those being strikes. He scattered four hits while striking out four and not walking a batter.

Nate Savoie led the charge at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a huge three-run homer in the third. He now has 14 RBI on the season. Jarren Purify finished 2-for-3, driving in one run.

Clemson (9-1) had an opportunity to get on the board in the second. With two outs and Gaffney on second, Jack Crighton lined a single into right, but Patrick Evans threw a laser home, gunning down Gaffney at the plate to end the inning.

South Carolina (7-4) had its own two-out opportunity in the top of the third, and the Gamecocks took advantage as Ethan Lizama’s RBI single made it 1-0.

After being held scoreless over the first 11 innings of the series, the Tigers finally broke through in the top of the third. Ty Dalley and Jarren Purify started off the frame with back-to-back singles. After a sacrifice bunt from Tryston McCladdie moved both runners over, Savoie launched a mammoth home run out to left, putting Clemson up 3-1. It was Savoie’s fourth homer of the season.

Clemson would load the bases with one out in the bottom of the fourth. Purify’s sacrifice fly to right then extended the Tigers’ lead to 4-1.

What a Difference a Day Makes

After a sloppy effort in all phases on Friday in the series opener, the Tigers couldn’t have played much cleaner. There was only one late fielding error. No passed balls, and there were no free passes or wild pitches by Sharman, which really limited the Gamecocks’ opportunities.

Not one time did Sharman allow a leadoff hitter to reach.

Lineup Rebounds

It wasn’t an offensive explosion by any stretch, but Clemson hitters did produce nine hits, with every player in the starting lineup except McLaddie having at least one base hit. It was much different than what was seen on Friday when the offense mustered just three hits.

Even Dalley got in on the action after being moved down to the nine-hole. He finished 1-for-2 with a run scored.

Rested Bullpen

Sharman going the distance allows the Tigers to go into Sunday with a pretty rested bullpen. After throwing around 50 pitches in the opener, Justin LeGuernic might be the only reliever not available.

Up Next

The rubber game will be played on Sunday in Clemson. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The game will be streamed on ACCNX.