CLEMSON — Luke Gaffney’s big night at the plate paced Clemson to a 7-2 win over USC-Upstate on Tuesday night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

Gaffney had a three-run homer and a two-run single, giving him five RBI on the night. The first baseman now has three homers in the past four games. Tryston McCladdie also drove in a run with an RBI single.

Justin Leguernic pitched three scoreless innings of relief to pick up the win (3-1). The left-hander struck out five, while walking three.

The Tigers (26-16) took an early 3-0 lead after Gaffney launched a three-run shot out to left in the bottom of the first. It was his sixth homer of the season.

Upstate got a run back in the second on an RBI single by Preston Lucas, making it 3-1.

After Bryce Clavon and Talan Bell both reached on free passes with one out in the bottom of the second, Nate Savoie’s sacrifice fly moved Clavon to third. An RBI single by McCladdie would bring Clavon home. Gaffney then singled, plating both Bell and McCladdie, putting the Tigers up 6-1.

Clemson loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the fourth. Jacob Jarrell then drew a walk, forcing in one run, but that is all the Tigers could get.

The Spartans (19-23) pushed another run across in the sixth. After coming in out of the bullpen to start the inning, Noah Samol hit the first two hitters he saw. A passed ball would put runners on the corners. After getting a grounder to third for the first out, Brendon Bennett came on in relief and uncorked a wild pitch that allowed the runner from third to score, making it 7-2.

Talan Bell Playing Both Ways

Bell got the start, pitching the first two innings. However, he also served as the nine-hole hitter and stayed in the game in the DH role after he exited the mound. He finished the night 0-for-1 with two walks and two runs scored.

Up Next

Clemson heads to Louisville for a three-game series beginning on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.