Freeman’s Grand Slam Highlights #24 Clemson’s 11-10 Victory Over UNC Greensboro Tuesday

March 11, 2008

Clemson, SC –

Righthander Graham Stoneburner pitched 3.0 scoreless innings, and sophomores Ben Paulsen and Mike Freeman each blasted multi-run homers to lead #24 Clemson to an 11-10 victory over UNC Greensboro Tuesday in front of 3,689 fans at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

Clemson improved to 8-4 and UNC Greensboro dropped to 8-4 in the first-ever matchup between the two teams.

Stoneburner (2-0) allowed just three hits and one walk in 3.0 scoreless innings pitched in a scheduled short start to earn the victory. Warren Slack (0-1) allowed three runs on three hits in 2.0 innings pitched to take the loss.

Clemson’s offense provided its pitching staff with plenty of run support with 11 runs, including two multi-run homers, and 14 hits. Freeman led the Tigers with three hits and five RBIs, while Paulsen totaled three hits and three RBIs. Kyle Parker had a 3-for-5 day, and Boyd upped his hitting streak to 10 games with a single as well. Ricky Orton led the Spartans with two hits and two RBIs.

The Tigers took an early 3-0 lead when Paulsen blasted a three-run home run over the centerfield fence in the first inning. It was his fourth long ball of the season.

With two outs in the third, Paulsen singled to left, moved to second on a double by Parker, and then scored on a passed ball.

Chris Epps led off the fourth with a walk and Stan Widmann followed with a single up the middle. The two each moved up a base on a sacrifice bunt by Wilson Boyd. Epps then scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Doug Hogan to put the Tigers ahead 5-0.

Parker led off with a double to right to open the fifth inning and advanced to third on a groundout by Jeff Schaus before Freeman drove him in with a single up the middle. Freeman then stole second and Epps drew a walk. Widmann then plated Freeman with a single through the left side.

In the sixth inning, Freeman launched a grand slam home run to right-center. It was hit first career homer and put the Tigers on top 11-0.

The Spartans charged with six runs off three hits in the seventh. Adam Deleo hit a one-out single to left-center and moved to second on a wild pitch. Ray Quinones then walked and Deleo advanced to third on another wild pitch to put runners on the corners. Deleo then scored on a single to right-center by Tim Carrier. Matt Gaski drew a walk to load the bases. With Brock Schnabel on in relief, Greg Feltes was hit by a pitch to plate Quinones. Orton then walked in Carrier. Sean Snell then plated Gaski with a sacrifice fly down the right-field line and Feltes scored on a wild pitch. Pedro Leon then doubled to left-center, plating Orton.

The Spartans continued their rally with four more runs in the ninth inning, but it was not enough to catch the Tigers, as Matt Vaughn picked up his fifth save of the season by striking out Carrier with the tying run on first base.

Clemson and UNC Greensboro will conclude their two-game series Wednesday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium at 4:00 PM.