Ziehl pitches complete game, strikes out 15, and Miami beats No. 3 Clemson on a walkoff Jack Scanlon home run in the ninth
The Cardiac Canes did it again.
Miami tapped into some Mark Light Magic, as the Hurricanes walked-off No. 3 Clemson, 3-2, Thursday evening.
Fifth-year catcher Jack Scanlon smacked a game-winning two-run homer in the ninth to propel Miami (15-10, 6-4 ACC) to its 11th comeback victory of the year.
“My only mission was to win the ballgame,” Scanlon said. “I wasn’t getting cheated. I heard my guys cheering me on in the dugout and I knew I couldn’t let them down, especially after Gage [Ziehl] had that awesome performance. He won us this game. Yeah, I got the highlight, but he really won us this game. It’s what you live for and it’s a surreal experience.”
Scanlon’s game-winning shot gave Ziehl and the Hurricanes (15-10, 6-4 ACC) their 11th comeback win of the season.
Ziehl (2-2) tossed a complete game, striking out a career-high 15 batters along the way. Ziehl limited the potent Tigers (22-3, 5-2 ACC) to just one earned run across a 118-pitch masterpiece.
“A masterpiece,” Scanlon said of his batterymate’s career night. “He just went out there and competed. That guy shows up every single day and he works. He’s a leader. I can’t say enough good things about his performance and the person that he is. I’m so happy for him.”
Ziehl’s 15 punchouts were the most by a Hurricane hurler since Bryan Radziewski fanned 16 batters against Virginia Tech on March 23, 2013.
The Macedon, N.Y., native tossed 88 of his 118 pitches for strikes en route to his second complete game in his last three starts.
Clemson closer Rob Hughes (1-1) was tagged with the loss after surrendering the decisive homer.
The Hurricanes will look to secure their seventh straight series win over the Tigers Friday. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.
“I’m extremely proud of our guys,” coach JD Arteaga said. “I have the utmost respect for Clemson. They’re a fundamentally sound team. They make every play and they capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes. They’re playing winning baseball and that’s why their record is what it is.”
