#7 Tigers Take Series-Opener Over Wolfpack 12-7 Saturday

March 13, 2010

Clemson, SC –

The #7 Clemson Tigers scored 10 runs in the first four innings and held on to defeat N.C. State 12-7 in the first game of a doubleheader at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers, who took a 1-0 series lead, improved to 11-1 overall and 1-0 in the ACC. N.C. State fell to 11-2 overall and 0-1 in ACC play.

Tiger starter Casey Harman (3-0) earned the win, as he allowed five hits, two runs, and two walks with three strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched. Wolfpack starter Cory Mazzoni (2-1) suffered the loss, as he yielded seven hits, 10 runs (eight earned), and three walks with four strikeouts in 3.1 innings pitched.

The Wolfpack grabbed the game’s first lead in the top of the first inning. After the first two batters were retired, Andrew Ciencin was hit-by-pitch and went to second on Drew Poulk’s single through the left side. Pratt Maynard’s walk loaded the bases, then Chris Schaeffer singled through the right side to score Ciencin and Poulk.

The Tigers responded with two runs of their own in their half of the first inning. After the first two batters were retired, Jeff Schaus reached on a fielding error by shortstop Matt Bergquist. Kyle Parker then belted a two-run homer to left, his sixth long ball of the season.

In the second inning, John Hinson led off with a single to center and went to second on an error by centerfielder Kyle Wilson. After Hinson stole third, he scored on Richie Shaffer’s double down the left-field line.

The Tigers kept the pressure on in the third inning. Schaus led off with an infield single and Parker and Wilson Boyd followed with walks to load the bases. Two batters later, Brad Miller blasted a grand slam to right field, his first long ball of the season and his first career grand slam.

In the fourth inning, Wilson Boyd then singled off the pitcher to bring home Parker, upping Clemson’s lead to 10-2.

After going scoreless for sixth innings, the Wolfpack cut the Tiger lead in half in the top of the eighth inning. Wilson led off with an infield single and went to second on a throwing error on the play. Two batters later, Ciencin singled through the left side to plate Wilson. Two batters later, Maynard reached on a two-out error that allowed Ciencin to score, then Schaeffer hit a two-run homer to left field, his second long ball of the season.

Clemson added two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Parker led off with a single and stole second. With two outs, Miller singled up the middle to score Parker as Miller advanced to second on the throw. After Miller stole third, he scored on Shaffer’s infield single.

In the ninth inning, Tarran Senay reached on an error and advanced to second on the play. After the next two Wolfpack batters struck out, Dallas Poulk singled through the right side to score Senay.

Parker led Clemson’s 13-hit attack by going 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBIs, and four runs. Shaffer went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, while Miller went 2-for-4 with a grand slam and a career-high five RBIs.

Ciencin had a game-high four hits to pace the Wolfpack’s 10-hit attack. Schaeffer added three hits, a homer, and four RBIs.

Clemson and N.C. State will play game-two of the doubleheader and series on Saturday at approximately 3:50 PM.