For the fourth year in a row, Clemson and South Carolina are going to play a decisive rubber match to determine the winner of the Reedy River Rivalry.
The Tigers struck first. After two innings of leaving runners on base in scoring position, Clemson was able to break through. Logan Davidson led things off in the fourth with a single up the middle, followed by a single from Seth Beer to move him to third. Patrick Cromwell then scored the game’s first run with a sac-fly to center to score Davidson.
Clemson starter Brooks Crawford did a nice job of staying in front of Gamecock hitters for the first three innings of the game, but then gave up a leadoff homerun to Madison Stokes in the fourth to tie the game at 1-1.
Clemson came roaring back in the fourth inning. Grayson Byrd drew a leadoff walk, followed by another walk by Bryce Teodosio. Kyle Wilkie was unable to get a bunt down to advance the runners, but Davidson also drew a walk to load the bases with one out.
Beer came to the plate with the potential to break the game open. He was only able to hit a deep fly-ball to center, but it was enough to score Byrd and give Clemson back the lead. Patrick Cromwell them laced a ball past the diving second baseman to score Teodosio and extend the lead to 3-1.
Crawford’s day ended with two outs in the fifth, as he gave way to reliever Mat Clark. His final line was 4.2 innings pitched, three hits, one run. He also struck out three and walked three.
The Tigers continued their offensive attack in the bottom of the fifth, when for the fifth straight time they put their first two batters on base. This time it was Robert Jolly and Drew Wharton drawing walks. They later came around to score on single by Wilkie, giving Clemson a 5-1 lead.
Gamecock pitchers struggled against Clemson Saturday. Starter Cody Morris lasted 3.1 innings and gave up three runs on four hits. He did have four strikeouts, but he also walked six. On the day, Gamecock pitching gave up 10 walks against seven strikeouts.
Ryan Miller entered the game for Clemson in the sixth and pitched 4.0 innings, gave up no runs and only four hits to earn his first save of the year.
The third and final game of the series will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.