#6 Clemson Evens Series With 8-2 Win Over Memphis on Saturday

March 10, 2007

Clemson, SC –

Senior righthander Stephen Clyne pitched 3.1 scoreless innings in relief, and seniors Andy D’Alessio and Marquez Smith blasted two-run homers to lead #6 Clemson to an 8-2 victory over Memphis Saturday afternoon in front of 5,164 fans at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Clemson, who evened the series, improved to 9-4 and Memphis dropped to 8-4.

Clyne (3-0) struck out four and allowed just one hit in 3.1 scoreless innings pitched to earn the victory. He upped his consecutive scoreless innings pitched streak to 30 dating back to 2006. Mark Doll (2-1) allowed six runs (two earned) on five hits in 3.0 innings pitched in relief to take the loss.

Clemson’s offense provided its pitching staff with run support with eight runs, including two home runs, and 10 hits. Seven Tigers collected at least one hit in the game, including two hits by Chalk and three by D’Alessio. Chalk has reached base via a hit or walk in 40 straight games as well.

Clemson took an early lead in the first inning. Chalk was hit by a pitch and then stole second. With two outs and a 2-2 count, D’Alessio blasted a two-run homer to right field. It was D’Alessio’s third home run of the year and second in as many days.

Memphis responded with a run in the second inning. K.K. Chalmers hit a two-out double to right field, plating Joseph Lieberman.

Memphis came back in the third to tie the score. Will Petersen singled to right-center and stole second. On a 1-2 count, Bill Moss singled up the middle, plating Petersen and tying the score 2-2.

D’Alessio began the Tiger onslaught in the sixth with a leadoff double down the right-field line. Smith followed with a two-run homer to left field on a 1-2 breaking ball to put Clemson in the lead 4-2. It was Smith’s third home run of the year. Ben Paulsen then reached on a walk, advanced to second on Alex Burg’s sacrifice bunt, and advanced to third on Addison Johnson’s groundout to second base. David Bunnell reached and Paulsen scored on a fielding error by Moss. D.J. Mitchell doubled, advancing Bunnell to third. Chalk gave the Tigers two insurance runs when he singled to left field, plating Bunnell and Mitchell to put Clemson on top 7-2.

Burg led off the eighth with a single down the right-field line and was safe at second when Michael Murray’s throw to second was errant. Bunnell’s sacrifice bunt advanced Johnson and Burg up a base. Burg then scored on a passed ball, extending the lead 8-2.

Memphis was led at the plate by Petersen and Moss, who had three hits apiece.

Clemson and Memphis will conclude their three-game series Sunday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium at 1:00 PM.