Baseball Takes Game One From Mississippi State, 11-4

June 2, 2000

Box Score| Quotes

POSTGAME AUDIO Clemson Coach J. Leggett Clemson First Baseman M. Calitri Clemson Relief Pitcher K. Lynn Mississippi State Coach P. McMahon Mississippi State Pitcher K. Donavan

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) – Mike Calitri drove in three runs and Kevin Lynn allowed just three hits in 7 1/3 innings of relief to lead Clemson to an 11-4 victory over Mississippi State in the first game of the NCAA super regional Friday night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The Tigers continued their recent offensive onslaught in front of the largest crowd ever at Kingsmore Stadium – 6,308. They collected 14 hits against three Bulldog pitchers and have scored 32 runs and banged out 38 hits in their last two games.

Lynn (5-1), who took over for starter Ryan Mottl in the second inning, struck out six and did not walk a batter. In his last 12 2/3 innings, he has allowed just five hits and one earned run.

After going down in order in the second, third and fourth innings, the Tigers put together a six-run rally in the bottom of the fifth to take a 9-4 lead. With one out, Patrick Boyd singled and reached second on an outfield error.

After Mike Calitri followed Riley with a fly ball to right center that Mississippi State center fielder Shane Kelly lost in the lights.

Calitri’s double allowed Greene and Baker to score to put the Tigers in front, 6-4. A single by Justin Singleton, a walk, and a hit batter loaded the bases and ended Mississippi State starter Kevin Donovan’s night. Casey Stone then greeted reliever Chris Young with a two-run single to left center.

Donovan (7-5) surrendered eight hits, nine earned runs, two walks, and three hit batters in just 5 2/3 innings.

The two teams meet again Saturday at 7 p.m. Clemson (49-16) can wrap up a trip to the College World Series with a victory. Mississippi State (41-19) must win on Saturday to force a third and deciding game on Sunday.

Mississippi St. 040 000 000- 4  4 1Clemson         300 060 11x-11 14 1

Donovan, Young (5), Wooten (8) and McGrath, Mottl, Lynn (2) and Ellis. W-Lynn. L-Donovan.