Clemson rallies past South Carolina, takes Game 1 of rivalry series

Clutch hitting and excellent pitching proved to be the difference for Clemson Friday night in Columbia.

The Tigers battled back for a 3-2 win over South Carolina to take Game 1 of the rivalry series at Founders Park. Bryar Hawkins delivered the game-winning hit, singling up the middle to score Dylan Brewer in the top of the ninth inning.

Clemson tied the game in the previous inning on a no-doubt home run by catcher Jonathan French.

Clemson trailed 2-1 heading to the eighth inning before scoring once in the eighth and once in the ninth to take the lead and ultimately secure the win.

“A great win. Obviously we showed some toughness,” Tigers coach Monte Lee said. “This was a very tough environment to play in. Unbelievable crowd tonight. Very proud of our guys just being able to continue to compete.”

Clemson remains unbeaten on the season and improves to 9-0 with the win, while South Carolina falls to 7-2 with the loss.

Alex Edmondson earned the win for the Tigers, pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief. Ryan Ammons finished things off in the ninth to earn his third save of the season.

Clemson held South Carolina to only four hits and forced the Gamecocks to strand 10 runners. South Carolina was 0-for-17 with runners on base.

“I thought our pitching was outstanding. Our calling card early on this season has been our pitching,” Lee said.

The Tigers won despite striking out 16 times. South Carolina ace Will Sanders was outstanding, striking out 14 batters in 7 innings of work. He left with a 2-1 lead, but the Gamecocks’ bullpen couldn’t hold it.

“I wouldn’t say we particularly swung the bats very well tonight, and a lot of that had to do with Sanders,” Lee said. “He was outstanding. He pitched like a true Friday-night guy.”

Clemson ace Mack Anglin also pitched well, allowing two runs in six innings of work while striking out nine.

Clemson has a chance to clinch the series Saturday evening at Segra Park in Columbia when the teams meet in Game 2 of the series. Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday evening in Clemson.

Nick Hoffmann will get the start for the Tigers in Game 2, with Nick Clayton following in Game 3. South Carolina is unsure of its starters for Saturday and Sunday as the Gamecocks have two members of their starting rotation out with injuries.