The Tigers defeated Dallas Baptist 12-1 in game one of the series on Friday behind stellar performances from Chris Williams and Patrick Cromwell.
Picking up where it left off Tuesday, Clemson’s offense got going early against Dallas Baptist. The Tigers struck first in the first inning when Williams hit a double down the left field line to score Cromwell. Williams later came around to score on a wild pitch, giving Clemson a 2-0 lead in the first.
In the second inning, Drew Wharton, who was 0-11 prior to that at-bat, hit a solo homerun into a stiff wind to left-center.
Cromwell and Williams provided the offensive catalyst again in the third inning. Cromwell hit a single with one out and Williams hit another double down the line. Robert Jolly stepped in and cleaned up, hitting yet another double to score both Cromwell and Williams and giving Clemson a 5-0 lead.
The story repeated in the fourth inning when Williams hit a two-run homerun into the left field stands to score himself and Cromwell.
In the end, Williams and Cromwell went a combined 6-7with three RBI and two walks and a hit-by-pitch.
That was enough to chase Patriots starter MD Jonson from the game. Johnson gave up eight runs on 10 hits while striking out three and walking one in 4.1 innings.
Trevor Conn entered the game in relief of Johnson and gave up consecutive hits to score Jolly and give Clemson an 8-0 lead.
Conn, and Jimmy Fouse combined to give up four runs on eight hits over the last 3.2 innings.
Jacob Hennessy pitched 6.1 strong innings, giving up no runs and just three hits. He also struck out eight while walking only two.
Carson Spiers, Mat Clark and Bryce Bowen combined to pitch the last 2.2 innings of the game. They combined to give up one run, unearned, on one hit.
Clemson and Dallas Baptist will conclude their three-game series in a doubleheader on Saturday. Game one will start at 1 p.m. and there will be an approximate 60 minute break between games. Tickets for Saturday or Sunday will be good for entry to either game.