#2 Clemson Outlasts Pacific 4-3 in 11 Innings in First Game Saturday

Feb. 24, 2007

Clemson, SC –

Addison Johnson scored the winning run from second base on Brad Chalk’s infield single after the throw from shortstop Josh Powers went into foul territory in the 11th inning, as #2 Clemson defeated Pacific 4-3 in the first game of a doubleheader at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Saturday. Clemson, who took a 2-0 series lead, improved to 5-1 overall, while Pacific fell to 4-8 on the season.

Daniel Moskos (2-0), a native of Alta Loma, CA, earned the win. In 3.0 innings pitched in relief, he allowed two hits, no runs, and one walk with two strikeouts against the team from his home state. Pacific reliever Jake Wild (1-2) suffered the loss despite not allowing an earned run in 3.1 innings pitched.

Pacific jumped on the board in the second inning with two runs thanks to two Clemson miscues. Eric Hamren hit a one-out double down the right-field line. Powers then struck out swinging, but a passed ball allowed him to reach. Catcher Alex Burg’s throw to first was errant, allowing Hamren to score all the way from second base. After Powers moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by John Joines, Joe Oliveira doubled down the left-field line to plate Powers, giving Pacific a 2-0 lead.

Clemson responded with two runs of its own in the bottom of the second inning. The Tigers loaded the bases, then Stan Widmann laced a single through the right side to score two runs. Three batters later with the bases loaded and two outs, Andy D’Alessio hit a deep flyball to right-center, but Joines made a running catch at the fence to keep the score tied 2-2.

Widmann gave Clemson a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning with he lined a one-out single to left-center, scoring D.J. Mitchell from second base.

Pacific tied the score 3-3 in top of the seventh inning. Joey Centanni led off with a single on a 1-2 pitch to center followed by a single through the right side by Justin Baum on an 0-2 pitch. Adam Ching’s sacrifice bunt moved the runners up a base, then pinch-hitter Brett Manning brought home Centanni on a groundout to second.

In the top of the ninth inning with runners on first and second with one out, Ching lined a ball to right field. Mitchell made a diving catch just above the ground, saving at least one run, and doubled off the runner at second base to end the inning.

Johnson led off the 11th inning with a single up the middle. J.D. Burgess moved Johnson to second on a sacrifice bunt. Chalk followed with a slow roller over the pitcher. Powers fielded and threw in the dirt to first base. Chalk would have been safe if the throw was not in the dirt, but the ball got away from Manning anyway, allowing Johnson to come all the way around to score the winning run.

Pacific outhit Clemson 12-10, including four hits by Oliveira and three hits by Baum. Widmann and Chalk had two hits apiece to pace Clemson. Widmann also had all three of Clemson’s RBIs.

Clemson and Pacific will play the series-finale on Saturday due to the threat of inclement weather on Sunday. First pitch of game-three is scheduled for approximately 5:50 PM on Saturday.