Clemson's Four-Run Ninth Defeats South Carolina 7-5 |
Columbia, S.C. - Clemson struck for four runs in the ninth inning Wednesday night on three hits, a walk, an error and Kris Harvey's three run home run in a come from behind 7-5 win over South Carolina that evened the season series between the in-state rivals at two wins apiece.
It was the second consecutive year that Clemson lost the first two games to the Gamecocks and came back to even the series. Josh Cribb, 3-4, pitched the final 1 2/3 innings to get the win while South Carolina closer Brent Marsh, 1-1, was charged with the loss. It was the first blown save of the season for Marsh. Clemson trailed 4-3 when pinch hitter Ben Hall beat out an infield single and Herman Demmink walked. Both runners advanced on a sacrifice and pinch runner Daniel Pritchard scored the tying run on a ground ball to third base by Taylor Harbin who was safe at first on a throwing error by Joey Friddle. Tyler Harbin was retired for the second out but Harvey lifted a high fly ball that just cleared the left field fence for his 12th home run of the season. Trailing 7-4, South Carolina scored once in the ninth when Steve Pearce singled with two outs and scored on a triple by Michael Campbell, his fourth three bagger of the year. However, Ryan Mahoney tapped back to the mound to end the game. Clemson scored single runs in the first three innings to lead 3-0 before South Carolina struck for four runs in the sixth to take a 4-3 lead. Brad Chalk singled with one out in the Clemson first, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a double by Tyler Colvin. Stan Widman singled in the second, was sacrificed to second base, and scored on a base hit by Herman Demmink. Colvin hit an inside the park third inning home run off the right field wall for the third Tiger run. South Carolina scored four times in the sixth inning on four hits, a walk and a sacrifice before an overflow Sarge Frye Field crowd of 5,922. Pearce started the rally with a leadoff double and Campbell drew a walk. Pearce scored on a single by Mahoney. Campbell and Mahoney advanced on a sacrifice and Mark Stanley doubled to drive in two runs and tie the game. A single by Friddle scored Stanley to give the Gamecocks the lead. The win improved Clemson's record to 24-14 and the loss dropped South Carolina to 29-9. Clemson had 12 hits, two each by Demmink, Colvin, Harvey, Travis Storrer and Stan Widman. Pearce and Mahoney each had two of South Carolina's eight hits. Colvin was given the Bob Bradley Award for being the MVP in the four-game series against South Carolina. The sophomore outfielder from North Augusta, SC was 7-for-18 (.389) with a double, two homers, and four RBIs in the series. First-baseman Steve Pearce received the Tom Price Award, going to the Gamecocks' MVP in the series. Pearce was 6-for-17 (.353) with three doubles, a homer, and three RBIs in the series. Both Bradley, who passed away in 2000, and Price, who still serves as official scorer for South Carolina baseball games, were close friends and longtime sports information directors at their respective schools. Clemson will travel to Raleigh, NC to play a three-game series at N.C. State this weekend. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
Clemson 7 (24-14)
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