MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — It was the Nate Savoie show on a chilly night in the Lowcountry.
Savoie hit two home runs to help propel No. 19 Clemson past College of Charleston 3-1 on Tuesday at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. The left-fielder finished the night 2-for-4 and was responsible for all three Tiger runs. Freshman Jason Fultz went 1-for-3 with a run scored.
Dylan Harrison got the start, with the freshman allowing a run on three hits in four innings of work. He struck out one and did not walk a batter.
Noah Samol came on in relief of Harrison and held it down, throwing 3.2 scoreless innings, while picking up his first win in a Clemson uniform. The big lefty struck out six while allowing just three hits. He also did not walk any hitters.
Hayden Simmerson came on with runners on second and third with two outs in the eighth, and got a ground ball to first to end the inning and preserve the two-run lead. He sat the Cougars down in order in the ninth, including a strikeout, to pick up his first save with Clemson.
Savoie’s solo shot out to right in the top of the first gave the Tigers an early one-run lead.
Savoie then launched a two-run shot out to left in his next at-bat, putting Clemson up 3-0 in the third. It was Savoie’s team-leading ninth long ball of the season.
The Cougars got on the board in the third when Will Burgess hit a run-scoring triple over the outstretched hands of centerfielder Trytson McCladdie.
College of Charleston threatened to cut into the lead more in the bottom of the fourth after the first two runners reached. However, a 6-4-3 double play and a nice play at third base by Fultz ended the threat.
Lack of Key Hits
Clemson had some opportunities to create some separation in this one, but struggled when runners were on base. The Tigers were just 2-of-10 with runners on and 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
Samol Carving Out Role
Samol has looked sharp in back-to-back midweek outings. His 3.2 innings were a career high, as were his six strikeouts. Maybe middle relief in the midweek is just the spot for him.
Up Next
The Tigers (17-5) head up the road to face off with The Citadel on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.