Clemson Baseball 2011 Final Notes

Complete 2011 Final Notes

Tigers Earned 36th NCAA Tournament Bid Clemson played in its 36th all-time NCAA Regional in 2011. The 36 appearances are tied for fifth-most in NCAA history, trailing only Texas (55), Florida State (49), Miami (FL) (40), and Oklahoma State (38).

Clemson Regional Recap The Tigers hosted the 2011 Clemson Regional and went 2-2, finishing in second place behind regional champion Connecticut, who went 4-1. Clemson defeated Sacred Heart and Coastal Carolina before falling twice to the Huskies.

Clemson batted .314 with a .486 slugging percentage and .414 on-base percentage in the four regional games. The team also totaled 30 runs, 44 hits, seven doubles, one triple, five homers, 24 walks against only 21 strikeouts, and five stolen bases. John Hinson (3B), Will Lamb (OF), and Phil Pohl (DH) earned all-tournament honors as well.

Clemson’s NCAA Tournament Leaders John Hinson led the Tigers in the Clemson Regional by going 8-for-17 (.471) with seven runs, one double, two homers, six RBIs, three walks, and two stolen bases. Will Lamb was 6-for-15 (.400) with six runs, one triple, one homer, two RBIs, and two walks. Phil Pohl went 7-for-18 (.389) with two runs, three doubles, and one RBI. Jason Stolz and Richie Shaffer both went 5-for-13 (.385), while Shaffer added one double, two homers, five RBIs, four walks, and one steal.

Worth Noting • The 2011 season marked Clemson’s 47th consecutive winning season. • Clemson won seven weekend series in a row to close the regular season. The Tigers, who were 2-1 in the ACC Tournament, also won each of their last six ACC series and seven of the 10 ACC series in 2011. • Clemson lost its 20 games by a combined 67 runs (3.4 runs per loss). The Tigers won their 43 games by a combined 269 runs (6.3 runs per win). That was a big reason Clemson was fifth in the nation in scoring margin (+3.2), trailing only Virginia, Vanderbilt, Stony Brook, and Mercer. • Clemson hit .336 with runners in scoring position. • Fourteen Tigers combined for a .321 batting average off the bench. Meanwhile, Clemson opponents had a .177 batting average off the bench. • All of Clemson’s nine regulars in the field batted .282 or better, including six starters who batted .315 or better. • Clemson relievers combined for a 2.69 ERA and .225 opponents’ batting average. • Clemson pitchers combined for a 1.52 ERA and .188 opponents’ batting average along with 61 strikeouts in 53.1 innings pitched in the ninth inning.

Polls The Tigers ended the year at #16 in the final Sports Weekly coaches poll after going 2-2 in four games in the Clemson Regional to close their season. Clemson also finished at #21 in the Baseball America rankings and #21 in the Collegiate Baseball poll. Clemson has had at least one final top-25 ranking in 15 of Head Coach Jack Leggett’s first 18 seasons in Tigertown. The Tigers have also been ranked #1 for 20 weeks by at least one of the three major polls under Leggett. Their last #1 ranking came on February 12, 2007 by both Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball.

ACC Standings The Tigers finished in second place in the ACC Atlantic Division standings with a 17-13 league record in 2011. In the division, Florida State finished in first place with a 19-11 record, while N.C. State and Wake Forest tied for third at 15-15. Virginia and Georgia Tech tied for the best overall ACC record (22-8). In the overall ACC standings, Clemson finished in sixth place.

Clemson #9 in the Nation in Average Home Attendance A total of 158,154 fans were in attendance for Clemson’s 36 home dates in 2011, an average of 4,393 per date. That figure was #9 in the nation and second-best in the ACC in 2011. It was also the sixth-highest figure in Tiger history for a season. Through the 2011 season, Clemson has a top-20 national figure in attendance for 18 straight seasons and a top-10 national figure in attendance for 10 years in a row.

28 That’s how many of Clemson’s 63 games were against teams that played in the 2011 NCAA Tournament, which equates to over 44 percent. Clemson had a 13-15 record against the teams in the field. The Tigers played 10 different teams that were in the NCAA Tournament.

Clemson played four of the top-five national seeds in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida State for a total of 13 games. The Tigers were 3-10 in those 13 contests, but only four of those games were played at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The Tigers were 6-11 against #1 seeds, 0-2 against #2 seeds, 6-2 against #3 seeds, and 1-0 against #4 seeds.

NCAA Stat Finishes Clemson finished in the top 25 in the nation in 11 statistical categories in 2011. The Tigers were second in sacrifice flies (2), fifth in hits (687), and sixth in both batting average (.318) and walks (304).

The Tigers were also 11th in the country in runs (449), 14th in slugging percentage (.460), tied for 14th in steals (106), 15th in runs per game (7.1), 23rd in hits allowed per nine innings pitched (8.00), 25th in steals per game (1.68), and tied for 25th in doubles (127).

Brad Miller finished in the top 25 in the nation in two statistical categories. He was 16th in on-base percentage (.498) and 25th in batting average (.395). Spencer Kieboom was tied for 25th in the nation in sacrifice flies (7) as well.

Strength of Schedule #6 In 2011, Clemson had an unofficial strength of schedule of #6 according to WarrenNolan.com. There were 300 schools that played Division I baseball in 2011.

Clemson Led the ACC in Batting Average Clemson led the ACC in batting average at .318, 14 points higher than second-place Virginia (.304). The .318 batting average was Clemson’s best mark since 2002, when that team, with the likes of Khalil Greene, Jeff Baker, and Michael Johnson, batted .324.

The Tigers, who also led the ACC with 106 stolen bases, were fifth in the ACC in ERA (3.32). The 3.32 ERA was Clemson’s best mark since 2006.

Getting Leadoff Batter on Base a Key to Tigers’ Success Numbers support the notion that getting a leadoff batter on base increases the likelihood of scoring runs in an inning. That was certainly the case for the Tigers in 2011. Clemson put its leadoff batter on base in 214 of the 541 innings (40 percent) in which it batted. That was a big reason the Tigers averaged 7.1 runs per game in 2011. Richie Shaffer reached base in 32 of his 53 plate appearances (60 percent) when leading off an inning.

Patience at the Plate Clemson finished the 2010 season third in the nation in walks (375), and the 2011 team picked right up where it left off in 2010. Clemson totaled 304 walks in 63 games in 2011, good for 4.8 walks per game. As a comparison, Tiger pitchers combined to issue just 183 walks (2.9 per game) in 2011.

The 304 walks along with 45 hit-by-pitches were a big reason Clemson had a .406 on-base percentage in 2011. Brad Miller (40) were among the team leaders in walks.

Stealing a Priority Again Clemson stole an ACC-high 106 bases in 140 attempts in 2011, a year after the Tigers also swiped 106 bases in 2010. The Tigers stole 107 bases in 2006, while Clemson totaled 112 steals in 2000 and 121 in 1999. Those are the only four triple-digit steal totals by a Tiger team since the 1994 season, when Clemson had 115 steals.

John Hinson led the team lead with 23 stolen bases, while Will Lamb swiped 13 bases, Chris Epps had 11 steals, and Jeff Schaus added 10 stolen bases. Seven of the nine regular starters in the field totaled at least eight stolen bases in 2011.

Tigers Tough With Two Outs Clemson held its opponents to a .239 batting average on the season. But with two outs, Tiger pitchers were even better, as they held the opposition to a .189 batting average with two outs. Among the best pitchers on the team in that category were Alex Frederick (.083), Justin Sarratt (.196).

Five Tigers Named to All-ACC Team Five Tigers were named First or Second-Team All-ACC in 2011. Junior shortstop Will Lamb, junior DH/UT Jeff Schaus were named Second-Team All-ACC. The team was compiled by a vote of the 12 ACC head coaches.

Miller, who was also named ACC Player-of-the-Year, led the ACC in batting average (.395) and on-base percentage (.498) along with totaling 11 doubles, three triples, five homers, 50 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases in 56 games. Shaffer batted .315 with 15 doubles, two triples, 13 homers, 55 RBIs, 62 runs, and a .438 on-base percentage.

Lamb hit safely in 35 of his last 38 games games and batted .348 with 13 steals. Pohl hit .333 with 22 doubles, four homers, and 33 RBIs. Schaus, who was a First-Team All-ACC selection in 2009 and a Second-Team All-ACC pick in 2010, hit .323 with 20 doubles, two triples, 43 RBIs, and a .427 on-base percentage. Schaus became the first Tiger to be named All-ACC three times since Khalil Greene (2000-02).

Eleven Tigers on All-ACC Academic Team Clemson placed 11 players on the 2011 All-ACC Academic team. The 11 selections were five more than Georgia Tech’s six selections, who had the second-most picks in the ACC. To be eligible for consideration, a student-athlete must have earned a 3.0 GPA for the previous semester and maintained a 3.0 cumulative GPA during his academic career.

Five Tigers earned All-ACC Academic honors for the second time. Sophomore righthander Brad Miller (marketing), sophomore corner infielder Richie Shaffer (marketing), and junior infielder Jason Stolz (construction science management) all received All-ACC Academic honors for the second time.

The following six Tigers earned All-ACC Academic honors for the first time…freshman righthander Justin Sarratt (youth development).

Major Sports Triple for Third Year in Row When Clemson was selected for the 2011 NCAA Baseball Tournament, it became one of 10 schools to accomplish the major sports triple in 2010-11. The program was one of 10 school to go to a bowl game, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and the NCAA baseball tournament.

The schools who accomplished the feat in 2010-11 were Arizona, Clemson, Connecticut, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas State, North Carolina, and Texas A&M.

It was the third consecutive year Clemson accomplished the major sports triple. Clemson joined ACC-rival Florida State as the only two teams in the nation to do the feat each of the last three years. Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips and Florida State Athletic Director Randy Spetman were at their respective schools for each of those seasons and were thus the only athletic directors nationally to have their programs accomplish the major sports triple each of the last three years.

It was the second time in history Clemson accomplished the major sports triple for three consecutive years. Clemson also accomplished the feat from 1995-96 through 1997-98 under Athletic Director Bobby Robinson. Overall, it was the 10th academic year Clemson accomplished the feat.

Eight Tigers Picked in Major League Draft Eight Tigers were selected in the 2011 Major League draft from June 6-8. The eight picks tied for 11th-most in the nation and tied (with Virginia) for most by an ACC team. Vanderbilt led the nation with 12 draft picks.

Two Tigers were chosen in the second round. Junior shortstop Will Lamb was also a second-round draft pick (#83 overall pick) of the Texas Rangers.

Four other Tigers were drafted on June 7. Junior infielder John Hinson was a 13th-round draft selection (#400 overall pick) of the Houston Astros. Senior outfielder Jeff Schaus was a 16th-round draft pick (#494 overall pick) of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sophomore righthander Kevin Brady was a 17th-round draft selection (#518 overall pick) of the Cleveland Indians. Sophomore lefthander Joseph Moorefield was a 26th-round draft pick (#786 overall pick) of the Kansas City Royals.

A day later on June 8, two more Tigers were drafted. Senior outfielder Chris Epps was a 45th-round draft selection (#1360 overall pick) of the Houston Astros. Junior righthander Scott Weismann was a 46th-round draft pick (#1389 overall pick) of the Chicago Cubs.

With the eight selections, Jack Leggett has had a total of 90 players drafted in his 18 seasons as head coach at Clemson. A total of 16 of those 90 players were drafted twice, meaning a Tiger has been drafted 106 times in his tenure. Thirteen more Tigers have signed free-agent contracts as well.

Three Tigers Received Degrees on May 13 Righthander Jeff Schaus all received their undergraduate degrees on May 13. Frederick, a fifth-year senior from Lagrangeville, NY, graduated with a degree in economics. Johnson, a fifth-year senior from Pfafftown, NC, graduated with a degree in management. Schaus, a senior from Naples, FL, gradudated with a degree in construction science & management.

Attanasio & McGibbon Thrived in a Pinch Freshmen Dominic Attanasio and Jon McGibbon totaled just 60 and 62 at-bats, respectively, due in large part to Clemson’s veteran lineup. But in their limited action, they both came through when called upon. Attanasio, a speedy outfielder, was 22-for-60 (.367) with two doubles, one triple, one homer, 11 RBIs, 11 runs, and three steals in 33 games (10 starts) in 2011. McGibbon, a power-hitting first-baseman and outfielder, was 21-for-62 (.339) with four doubles, one homer, 14 RBIs, eight runs, a .463 on-base percentage, and one steal in 43 games (11 starts).

Even with those solid batting averages, they were even better when coming off the bench. McGibbon was 14-for-27 (.519) off the bench, while Attanasio was 10-for-22 (.455) off the bench. McGibbon was a remarkable 10-for-17 (.588) with a .652 on-base percentage as a pinch-hitter, while Attanasio was 6-for-15 (.400) with a .500 on-base percentage as a pinch-hitter. Therefore, the two were a combined 16-for-32 (.500) as pinch-hitters in 2011.

Tigers Had Options With Kieboom & Pohl Clemson entered the 2011 season with two returning catchers who both played in significant games behind the plate during their careers. Sophomore Spencer Kieboom and junior Phil Pohl posted pedestrian offensive numbers prior to the 2011 season, as they combined to go 42-for-190 (.221) in 105 combined games. But both were at the top of the stats page in terms of batting average during 2011.

Pohl was third on the team with a .333 batting average along with a team-high 22 doubles, four homers, and 33 RBIs, while Kieboom hit .282. Therefore, the two combined to go 124-for-398 (.312) in 113 games in 2011.

Head Coach Jack Leggett used both Kieboom and Pohl in games at the same time. Kieboom, known for his defensive abilities, started 46 games at catcher, while Pohl started the other 17 games behind the plate. Pohl was Clemson’s primary designated hitter in 2011. Pohl also saw action in right field, where he made his first career start against Georgia on March 29, and first base.

Leggett Leading a Consistent Winner Head Coach Jack Leggett has an 812-376-1 (.683) record at Clemson in 18 seasons. The late Bill Wilhelm has the most wins of any Tiger coach with 1,161 in 36 seasons (1958-93) at Clemson. Leggett’s 812 wins are second-most in school history. No other Clemson coach has more than 70 wins while in Tigertown. Leggett earned win #800 as the leader of the Tiger program in Clemson’s 12-0 win over Gardner-Webb in game-two of a doubleheader on May 7, 2011.

Through Leggett’s first 18 seasons at Clemson, he has 812 wins. Only five other programs (Florida State, Wichita State, Rice, Cal State Fullerton, Miami (FL)) have more wins over that span from 1994-11.

What makes Leggett’s win total even more impressive is the fact that he has not shied away from playing stiff competition. Since 2004, when the strength of schedule ratings were first kept at WarrenNolan.com, Clemson’s strength of schedule has been one of the 17 toughest in the nation each of the last eight seasons, including seven of the eight years with a strength of schedule #9 or better (2004 (#5), 2005 (#4), 2006 (#1), 2007 (#17), 2008 (#2), 2009 (#9), 2010 (#5), 2011 (#6)).

Tigers Have 215 Top-25 Wins Under Leggett In 18 seasons at Clemson, Head Coach Doug Kingsmore Stadium on March 6 and topped #9 Georgia Tech twice in three games from April 29 to May 1. Then in Tallahassee from May 19-21, the Tigers downed #4 Florida State twice in three games. In the ACC Tourney on May 25, Clemson beat #8 Georgia Tech 9-0, then the Tigers defeated #21 Coastal Carolina 12-7 in the Clemson Regional on June 4. Seventeen of Clemson’s 20 top-25 ranked games in 2011 came against teams in the top 10. Below is a year-by-year chart of Leggett against top-25 ranked foes.

Leggett 15th on All-Time NCAA Wins ListJack Leggett has 1,189 career wins in 32 seasons as a head coach. That victory total is 15th on the all-time NCAA Division I list. Leggett passed the late Bill Wilhelm, who is tied for 18th place with 1,161 wins in 36 seasons (1958-93) as Clemson’s head coach, on April 6 in the Tigers’ 12-3 win over Western Carolina. Leggett is also sixth in wins among active coaches.

The Brady Hunch Sophomore righthander Kevin Brady (Gaithersburg, MD) only started five combined games on the mound in his first two seasons at Clemson. But Head Coach Jack Leggett inserted Brady into the weekend rotation during the early stages of the 2011 season.

In Brady’s first start of the year against Eastern Michigan on February 20, he struck out 10 batters in 5.1 innings pitched to earn the win. He also allowed just two hits, one run, and one walk. Then against Michigan State at Greenville, SC on February 27, he pitched 7.0 scoreless innings to earn the win. He allowed just four hits and no walks with nine strikeouts.

Brady was a bright spot for the Tigers in 2011. In 23.1 innings pitched over 10 appearances (three starts), he had a 2-0 record, 3.86 ERA, and .218 opponents’ batting average. He also allowed just 19 hits and one walk with 33 strikeouts. Brady suffered a forearm muscle strain against #4 South Carolina on March 6. After 71 days recovering from the injury, he returned to the mound on May 17 when he pitched a perfect inning in relief against Davidson.

Brady has used his hard fastball to record an outstanding strikeout-to-walk ratio in his career. In 71.1 innings pitched over 36 career appearances (eight starts), he has allowed just 14 walks against 86 strikeouts, good for a 6.14 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 10.85 strikeouts-per-nine-innings-pitched mark. If he had enough innings (100 is the minimum) to qualify for the Tiger recordbook, he would be first and third, respectively, in those categories. His 1.77 walks-per-nine-innings-pitched mark would also be second-best in school history.

Epps Walked His Way Into Recordbook Senior outfielder Chris Epps (Stone Mountain, GA) used is excellent eye at the plate for four seasons in a Tiger uniform. He was among the best in school history in drawing “free passes,” as he had 142 in 596 at-bats over 213 career games (160 starts). He had one walk every 4.20 at-bats in his career, the third-best mark in Clemson history.

In 61 games (57 starts) in 2011, Epps hit .292 with 10 homers, 42 RBIs, 44 runs, 11 stolen bases, and a .422 on-base percentage thanks to 41 walks and five hit-by-pitches in 195 at-bats.

He had one of the best games of his career against Davidson on May 17. He went 4-for-6 with a homer, triple, three RBIs, and two runs. Later that weekend at #4 Florida State, he was 5-for-9 with a homer, two RBIs, three runs, and two walks in the series. Thanks to his big week, he earned ACC Player-of-the-Week honors. In four games, he was 9-for-15 (.600) with two homers, one triple, five RBIs, five runs, and two walks.

Epps Earned All-ACC Tournament Honors Chris Epps earned All-ACC Tournament honors as one of three outfielders for his performance in three games at Durham (NC) Bulls Athletic Park from May 25-28. He was 3-for-9 (.333) with two home runs, one double, five RBIs, a 1.111 slugging percentage, three walks, one hit-by-pitch, a .538 on-base percentage, and one steal to lead the Tigers to two wins in three games.

Epps’ three-run homer in the fourth inning against #8 Georgia Tech on May 25 broke a scoreless tie in the Tigers’ 9-0 victory. Then against N.C. State on May 28, he hit another long homer in Clemson’s 6-3 victory. He had a 10-game hitting streak from May to June as well.

Firth Found a Way Sophomore righthander Scott Firth (Buffalo Grove, IL) started the season as a reliever, but he also saw action as a weekend starter. And in his eight appearances (six starts) in ACC regular-season games, he was 3-1 with a 2.78 ERA and .202 opponents’ batting average. In 32.1 innings pitched, he allowed just 24 hits with 24 strikeouts. In one of his best career outings, he tossed 6.0 scoreless innings of two-hit ball to earn the win in Clemson’s 7-0 victory over Maryland on April 9.

On the season, Firth was 5-1 with a 3.06 ERA and .225 opponents’ batting average in 50.0 innings pitched over 16 appearances (seven starts). In his two-year career, he is 7-2 with a 3.27 ERA and .262 opponents’ batting average in 82.2 innings pitched over 32 appearances (11 starts).

Haselden Quietly Got the Job Done Junior righthander David Haselden (Spartanburg, SC) had a 6-1 record, three saves, and a 2.23 ERA in 76.2 innings pitched over 25 appearances (four starts) in 2011. Haselden started the season in the bullpen, but with his stellar outing against #4 South Carolina on March 8, Haselden gave the team the ability to both start and pitch in relief. In his start against the Gamecocks, he pitched 6.0 scoreless innings of three-hit ball.

Haselden allowed 65 hits (.236 opponents’ batting average) and 14 walks with 49 strikeouts in 2011. His excellent control has been on display for three seasons. In 135.1 innings pitched over 54 appearances (seven starts) in his career, he has allowed just 28 walks against 94 strikeouts, good for a 3.36 strikeout-to-walk ratio (sixth-best in school history) and 1.86 walks-per-nine-innings-pitched mark (second-best in school history).

In one of the best outings of his career, Haselden pitched 7.0 scoreless innings in relief against Coastal Carolina on April 5. He allowed just two hits and two walks, one of which was intentional, with three strikeouts in only 72 pitches to earn the win in Clemson’s 5-4 victory in 10 innings. He pitched the final 7.0 innings with the Tigers trailing most of the way and retired 17 of 18 batters during one stretch, including 10 in a row.

Hinson Provided Spark as Leadoff Batter Junior infielder John Hinson (Asheville, NC) started the season in the middle of the batting order, where he also was in 2010. But midway through the 2011 season, he became the everyday leadoff batter. Hinson performed well in that role, as he had a team-high 23 stolen bases and was a big reason the Tigers swiped an ACC-high 106 bases in 2011. He stole 53 bases in 166 career games (142 starts), including 48 steals during his last two seasons.

In 2011, Hinson hit .331 with 12 doubles, three triples, nine homers, 41 RBIs, and 23 steals. He also had a 10-game hitting streak in April, 14-game hitting streak in May, and hit safely in 34 of the last 37 games. In his career, Hinson hit .329 with 21 doubles, five triples, 27 homers, 127 RBIs, 132 runs, and 53 steals.

Hinson performed at his best in the NCAA Tournament. He was the 2010 Auburn Regional MVP and later earned 2010 All-College World Series honors. In 2011, he was named to the Clemson Regional All-Tournament team. In 15 career NCAA Tournament games, he was 29-for-61 (.475) with 20 runs, two doubles, one triple, seven homers, 19 RBIs, seven walks, and five stolen bases. His .475 career batting average is the best by a Tiger in history in the NCAA Tournament.

Hinson became a husband on April 9, 2011 in Columbia, SC when he married the former Aileen Burdette (Easley, SC).

Here Comes Kieboom Sophomore catcher Spencer Kieboom (Marietta, GA) entered the season with high value as a defensive player. But he was also one of the team’s best hitters in 2011.

Kieboom hit .282 along with 48 hits despite not starting 12 games in 2011. The contact hitter also had 10 doubles, one homer, 31 RBIs, and 22 walks and four hit-by-pitches against only 13 strikeouts.

On March 22, Kieboom was added to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List. The award goes to the nation’s best catcher. He also became the first catcher to win the Bob Bradley Award as Clemson’s MVP of the three-game series against South Carolina from March 4-8. He was 4-for-10 with two walks in the series. The Bob Bradley Award has been presented every year since 2001.

Kieboom was the third-string catcher most of the 2010 season as a freshman, but when he was inserted into the starting lineup during the ACC Tournament, he made the most of his opportunity and became the everyday starter during the rest of the postseason.

Lamb’s Double-Digit Hitting Streaks Junior utility player Will Lamb (Seaford, VA) hit safely in 46 of his last 51 games and had a 25-game hitting streak, the longest by an ACC player in 2011 and the fifth-longest in school history, from April to May. During the 25-game hitting streak, he was 36-for-95 (.379). He also hit safely in 35 of his last 38 games.

Lamb, a Second-Team All-ACC selection, also had an 11-game hitting streak in March, giving him two double-digit hitting streaks in 2011. He batted .348 with 11 doubles, four triples, three homers, 39 RBIs, and 13 steals in 59 games (59 starts). Against Davidson on May 17, he went 5-for-5 with a double, three RBIs, and three runs.

Lamb used his speed throughout his three seasons on the basepaths and in the outfield. He swiped 31 bases in 36 attempts in 138 games (112 starts) in his career.

He was also one of Clemson’s top lefthanded pitchers in 2011. In 24.2 innings pitched over 10 appearances (four starts), he had a 1-1 record, 5.11 ERA, and 29 strikeouts against 11 walks. On May 5, Lamb was named one of 25 players on the John Olerud Two-Way Player-of-the-Year Award Watch List. He was also named to the Clemson Regional All-Tournament team after going 6-for-15 (.400) with six runs, one triple, one homer, two RBIs, and two walks in four games.

Leone Became Healthy & Led the Rotation Sophomore righthander Dominic Leone (Norwich, CT) started the 2011 season in the weekend rotation. But in late February, he suffered a shoulder injury that forced him out of the rotation. It took him many weeks to regain his strength and form.

He became healthy again and showed why Head Coach Jack Leggett penciled him in as the Friday starter. On the season, he was 6-2 with a 3.70 ERA and .219 opponents’ batting average in 65.2 innings pitched over 15 appearances (12 starts). He allowed just 53 hits and 30 walks with a team-high 72 strikeouts. Leone was also 4-2 with a 3.72 ERA and .220 opponents’ batting average in 10 outings (eight starts) in ACC regular-season games.

Against Wake Forest on April 22, he pitched 8.1 innings to earn the win in Clemson’s 2-0 victory. He allowed just three singles, no runs, and three walks with 10 strikeouts, as no Demon Deacon advanced past second base in the game. A week later against #9 Georgia Tech on April 29, he tossed 8.0 innings to earn the victory in the Tigers’ 4-2 win. He yielded only two hits, two runs, and two walks with 10 strikeouts against a team that entered the game leading the ACC with a .316 batting average.

Meyer Served Many Roles for the Pitching Staff Sophomore righthander Jonathan Meyer (San Diego, CA) emerged early in the 2011 season as one of Clemson’s top pitchers out of the bullpen. But he also became a weekend starter. He had a 5-2 record, one save, and a 3.31 ERA in 68.0 innings pitched over 23 appearances (seven starts). He allowed just 55 hits (.221 opponents’ batting average) and 19 walks with 63 strikeouts, good for a 3.32 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

In two outings over back-to-back weekends (against #6 Virginia and Duke), he pitched a total of 10.0 innings, allowing just four hits, no runs, and three walks with nine strikeouts. He pitched 5.0 scoreless innings in each of those two appearances. Then in his first career start in the second game of a doubleheader at Boston College on April 16, he pitched 7.0 strong innings to earn the win. He allowed five hits, two runs, and one walk with seven strikeouts.

In his 11 appearances (five starts) in ACC regular-season games in 2011, he was 4-2 with a 3.06 ERA. In a team-high 50.0 innings pitched, he allowed just 38 hits (.211 opponents’ batting average) and 15 walks with 48 strikeouts.

Miller Led the ACC in Batting Average Junior shortstop Brad Miller (Windermere, FL), who was a two-time member of the USA National Team, hit .395 with a .498 on-base percentage, both marks best in the ACC, along with 11 doubles, three triples, five homers, 50 RBIs, and 21 steals in 2011. Miller was still named one of 10 semifinalists for the Brooks Wallace Shortstop-of-the-Year Award in June.

To say Miller is patient at the plate would be an understatement. In 56 games (54 starts) in 2011, he had 40 walks. Miller used his good eye at the plate to walk at least 50 times in each of his first two seasons at Clemson (53 in 2009, 50 in 2010). He was a big reason the Tigers had 304 walks (4.8 per game) in 2011. He suffered a broken finger against #6 Virginia on March 11 that forced him to miss seven games and 14 starts in the field.

In 191 career games (189 starts) as a Tiger, Miller is a .339 hitter with 36 doubles, eight triples, 16 homers, 135 RBIs, 173 runs, 143 walks against only 112 strikeouts, a .451 on-base percentage, and 46 stolen bases.

Miller Named ACC Player-of-the-Year Brad Miller was named ACC Player-of-the-Year on May 23, voted on by the 12 ACC head coaches. The junior shortstop, who led the ACC in both batting average (.395) and on-base percentage (.498), totaled 11 doubles, three triples, five homers, 50 RBIs, 53 runs, a .559 slugging percentage, 40 walks, and 21 stolen bases in 56 games (54 starts) in 2011.

Miller became the first Tiger to be named ACC Player-of-the-Year since shortstop Khalil Greene, who won the award in 2002 on the way to earning national player-of-the-year honors. Miller, who was also one of 30 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award and one of 36 semifinalists for the Dick Howser Trophy, became Clemson’s 12th ACC Player-of-the-Year.

Miller Named First-Team All-American Brad Miller was named a first-team All-American by ABCA, Baseball America, and Collegiate Baseball at shortstop. He also received second-team All-America honors by NCBWA and Perfect Game. The junior from Windermere, FL became the Tigers’ first first-team All-American since 2006.

Miller Named ACC Player-of-the-Week Three Times Brad Miller joined some elite company on May 16 when he received ACC Player-of-the-Week honors for the third time in 2011. He became just the third Tiger in history to be named ACC Player/Pitcher-of-the-Week three times in one year. The other two Tigers who did it were both named national player-of-the-year, righthander Khalil Greene. Benson was named ACC Pitcher-of-the-Week six times in 1996 and Greene earned ACC Player-of-the-Week honors three times in 2002. Miller’s three ACC Player-of-the-Week selections were more than any other position player in 2011 as well.

Miller was one of four Division I players named national player-of-the-week by Collegiate Baseball and was named national co-hitter-of-the-week by NCBWA on April 11 for his performances in five games from April 5-10. He also received ACC Player-of-the-Week honors, his first as a Tiger.

In the five games during the week, he went 14-for-21 (.667) with two doubles, two triples, seven RBIs, eight runs, and a .952 slugging percentage. He had at least two hits in each of the five games and totaled at least three hits and two RBIs in each game against Maryland. Against the Terrapins, he was 10-for-13 (.769). He added two walks and four steals to lead Clemson to four wins in five games. In the field, he did not commit an error in 28 chances at shortstop, which included several highlight-reel plays.

In five games from April 26 to May 1, he was 10-for-17 (.588) to earn his second ACC Player-of-the-Week honor. He totaled two doubles, one homer, seven RBIs, six runs, three walks, and two steals. During the second and third games of the week, he combined to go 7-for-7 with two walks, meaning he reached base in nine straight plate appearances. Miller led the Tigers two four wins in five games, including two wins over #9 Georgia Tech, during the week.

In five games from May 10-15, he was 10-for-19 (.526) to earn his third ACC Player-of-the-Week honor. He added one homer, seven RBIs, four runs, two walks, and one hit-by-pitch to lead Clemson to four wins. He went 4-for-4 against East Tennessee State on May 11. Then in the second game of a doubleheader at Virginia Tech on May 14, he broke a 3-3 tie with a three-run homer to propel the Tigers to an 8-3 win.

Miller’s .395 Batting Average Best By a Tiger Since 2002 Brad Miller led the ACC in batting average (.395) by 31 points, a remarkable feat considering the depth and quality of teams in the conference. His .395 batting average was the best by a Tiger since 2002, when Khalil Greene batted .470 on his way to earning national player-of-the-year honors. In fact, no Tiger had hit .380 or better since 2002. Greene is the only Tiger to hit .400 or better in a season since 1994, when Shane Monahan had a .415 batting average.

Miller has shown steady improvement in each of his two seasons after his freshman campaign. After hitting .273 in his first season in 2009, he raised his batting average 84 points to .357 as a sophomore in 2010. In 2011, he batted .395, meaning he raised his batting average 38 points from 2010 and 122 points from his freshman year.

Defensively, Miller was solid after a shaky season in the field in 2010. In 2011, the Windermere, FL native committed just 12 errors at shortstop, good for a .950 fielding percentage.

Pohl Burst Out as a Junior Junior catcher Phil Pohl (Cooperstown, NY) emerged as an offensive threat for the Tigers in 2011. He entered the season as a career .203 hitter with 33 strikeouts in 133 at-bats, or one strikeout every 4.03 at-bats. But his hard work and adjustments made during the offseason paid big dividends in 2011.

The co-captain and Second-Team All-ACC DH/utility player hit .333, third-best on the team, with a team-high 22 doubles, four homers, and 33 RBIs in 60 games (57 starts). Pohl, who had 76 hits, also totaled 43 runs, a .391 on-base percentage thanks to 17 walks and eight hit-by-pitches against only 29 strikeouts (one strikeout every 7.86 at-bats), and five steals. He had an 11-game hitting streak from March to April as well.

Pohl entered the doubleheader at Boston College on April 16 without ever totaling more than two hits in a game. But he registered three hits in both games of the doubleheader on that chilly afternoon to lead the Tigers to a series sweep. In the 2011 Clemson Regional, he was 7-for-18 (.389) with two runs, three doubles, and one RBI to earn all-tournament honors.

Pohl served as Clemson’s primary designated hitter and the second-string catcher behind Kieboom during most of the 2011 season. The consummate team player had a career GPA of 3.74 through the 2011 spring semester.

Pohl Named Third-Team Academic All-AmericanPhil Pohl was named Third-Team Academic All-American, announced by CoSIDA on May 24. The Capital One Academic All-America baseball team was selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America to recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performance on the field and in the classroom. Pohl was also named First-Team Academic All-District III.

Pohl was selected as the third-team designated hitter on the Academic All-America team. He became the Tiger baseball team’s first Academic All-American since 1995 (Paul Galloway). The Cooperstown, NY native and co-captain hit .333 with 22 doubles, four homers, 33 RBIs, 43 runs, and five steals in 60 games (57 starts).

In the classroom, Pohl completed the 2011 spring semester with a 3.74 career GPA in management. He was named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll each of his first three seasons at Clemson and was honored during the 2010 College World Series Opening Ceremonies for having the team’s best GPA. Pohl has also been involved in several community service projects during his time at Clemson.

Pohle Rolled Along Freshman righthander Kevin Pohle (Saint Louis, MO) was one of the team’s most consistent relievers in 2011. In 32.2 innings pitched over 17 appearances (three starts), he had a 5-2 record, while he allowed 37 hits (.282 opponents’ batting average) and seven earned runs, good for a 1.93 ERA. His downward movement on his pitches was also a big reason he allowed just three earned runs (2.31 ERA) and had a .255 opponents’ batting average in 11.2 innings pitched over eight relief appearances in ACC regular-season games.

In his first career start on May 11 against East Tennessee State, he pitched 5.0 scoreless innings to earn the win. He allowed only three hits (all singles) and one walk with two strikeouts. Thanks to his performances in 2011, he was named a second-team freshman All-American by NCBWA.

Sarratt Made the Most of His Fifth Year Graduate righthander Justin Sarratt (Gaffney, SC) was in his fifth year in a Tiger uniform in 2011. As a senior in 2010, he suffered a season-ending injury early in the season and received a medical red-shirt. He returned for a fifth season in 2011 and became the first Tiger in history to earn five career letters.

Sarratt showed excellent control throughout his career. In 193.0 innings pitched over 80 appearances (25 starts) in his career, he had a 13-7 record, one save, a 4.20 ERA, and 136 strikeouts against only 41 walks. His 3.32 strikeout-to-walk ratio was seventh-best in school history, while his 1.91 walks-per-nine-innings-pitched mark was third-best in school history.

In 2011, he was 7-2 with a 2.57 ERA in 80.2 innings pitched over 18 appearances (13 starts). Sarratt, who led the team in wins, allowed 72 hits (.238 opponents’ batting average) and 14 walks with 65 strikeouts, good for a 4.64 strikeout-to-walk ratio (sixth-best in school history) and 1.56 walks-per-nine-innings-pitched mark (fifth-best in school history). Clemson had an 11-2 record in his 13 starts as well.

After moving into the weekend rotation, Sarratt pitched superbly. He had a streak of 27.2 innings pitched in a row without allowing an earned run from April to May.

Sarratt’s Stellar Week Led to ACC Honor Justin Sarratt was named ACC Pitcher-of-the-Week on May 2, his second such honor as a Tiger. He earned wins in both of his starts during the week and did not allow an earned run in 14.1 innings pitched. He picked up wins over Furman and #9 Georgia Tech by combining to allow just seven hits (all singles), a .140 opponents’ batting average, one unearned run, and two walks with 11 strikeouts. In the 14.1 innings pitched, he allowed only one runner past second base while he was in the game, and that runner was safe at second base and advanced to third base on a fielding error.

Against Furman on April 26, he tossed 6.0 scoreless innings of four-hit ball with no walks and five strikeouts in the Tigers’ 5-0 win. Then on May 1 in his first ACC start of the season and his third career ACC start, he shut down a Yellow Jacket team that entered the series with a league-best .316 batting average in Clemson’s 3-1 victory. On Senior Day, Sarratt pitched 8.1 innings, allowing just three singles, no earned runs, and two walks with six strikeouts.

Schaus In Several Top-10 Career Lists Senior outfielder Jeff Schaus (Naples, FL) returned for his senior season in 2011 after being drafted in the 27th round by the Cleveland Indians in 2010. His numbers through his junior season already put him among some of the best Clemson outfielders in recent history. And after a slow start to the 2011 season, he came on strong and finished in the top 10 in several career categories.

On the season, Schaus batted .323 with 20 doubles, two triples, 43 RBIs, 43 runs, 41 walks and four hit-by-pitches against only 15 strikeouts, and 10 stolen bases. Schaus was also stellar in his 30 ACC games in 2011, as he hit .362 with 12 doubles, two triples, 24 RBIs, 25 runs, 19 walks against only five strikeouts, a .449 on-base percentage, and six stolen bases.

Thanks to those numbers, he was named Second-Team All-ACC in 2011. It was the third time he received All-ACC accolades. He became the first Tiger to be named All-ACC three times since Khalil Greene (2000-02).

Schaus was especially good in the Duke series from March 18-20, when he had three hits in each game and was 9-for-14 (.643) with four doubles, one triple, five RBIs, and seven runs in leading Clemson to a series sweep. Then at #6 North Carolina from April 1-3, he was 7-for-12 (.583).

Schaus never missed a game in a Tiger uniform and started all but two games in his four seasons. He also led all 2011 players in the nation in consecutive games played. In 258 games (256 starts) in his career, he hit .320 with 61 doubles, six triples, 31 homers, 211 RBIs, 213 runs, 148 walks and 22 hit-by-pitches against only 98 strikeouts, and 32 stolen bases. In a doubleheader against Gardner-Webb on May 7, he reached the 200-run and 200-RBI career marks.

His marks for games, at-bats (973), hits (311), doubles, RBIs, total bases (477), runs, and walks were all within the top 10 in the Clemson recordbook. At #4 Florida State on May 20, Schaus totaled three hits to become only the 21st ACC player and sixth Tiger in history to total 300 career hits.

Shaffer Had Strong All-Around Season Sophomore corner infielder Richie Shaffer (Charlotte, NC) had a strong all-around season at first base for the Tigers. The First-Team All-ACC first-baseman and a second-team All-Atlantic Region selection by ABCA hit .315 with 62 runs, 15 doubles, two triples, 13 homers, 55 RBIs, 128 total bases, a .577 slugging percentage, 44 walks, a .438 on-base percentage, and eight steals in 63 games (63 starts).

Shaffer either led or tied for the team lead in games, runs, homers, and walks. Shaffer also finished in the top 10 in the ACC in runs (tied for second), homers (tied for second), slugging percentage (fourth), RBIs (eighth), on-base percentage (eighth), total bases (ninth), and walks (tied for ninth).

Shaffer, who had an 11-game hitting streak in April, is not a prototypical leadoff batter, however, he reached base 32 of the 53 times (60 percent) he led off an inning in 2011.

Shaffer began the season as the starting first-baseman, but he also made six starts at third base. After going his first 644 career chances without an error, he committed his first error in his 92nd career game against Georgia Tech on May 1. In 111 career games (107 starts), Shaffer has committed just three errors in 796 chances, good for a .996 fielding percentage.

Shaffer Earned ACC Co-Player-of-the-Week HonorRichie Shaffer was named ACC Co-Player-of-the-Week on April 4 for his performance in four games from March 29 to April 3. He was 7-for-15 (.467) with seven runs, a double, triple, grand slam, five RBIs, three walks, and a steal while not committing an error in 12 combined chances at third base and first base. His sixth-inning grand slam against Georgia on March 29 broke open a close game in Clemson’s 11-5 victory. Then in the final two games at #6 North Carolina, he went 5-for-7 with two walks.

Weismann Found Relief in New Role Junior righthander Scott Weismann (Boxborough, MA) would admit that he did not have the season he had hoped for in 2011. He was Clemson’s Friday starter during the first half of the season after entering the year with a 12-3 career record. In his eight starts in 2011, he was 3-4 with a 6.46 ERA and .321 opponents’ batting average.

So Head Coach Jack Leggett and Pitching Coach Dan Pepicelli decided to try a different role for Weismann…closer. He made 14 relief appearances as a freshman in 2009, so he had previous experience out of the bullpen. That move paid off, as he became the Tigers’ closer.

In his 16 relief appearances in 2011, he had seven saves in 18.0 innings pitched. Two of those saves came in both of Clemson’s win at #4 Florida State on May 20,21. He also had a 1.50 ERA and .175 opponents’ batting average along with 25 strikeouts against only five walks out of the bullpen. In his last 15 relief outings, he pitched 16.1 innings, allowing just eight hits (.145 opponents’ batting average), one run, and three walks with 23 strikeouts.

Overall in the 2011 season, Weismann was 3-5 with a team-high seven saves, a 4.89 ERA, and .279 opponents’ batting average along with 51 strikeouts against 17 walks in 57.0 innings pitched over 24 appearances (eight starts). In his three-year career, Weismann was 15-8 with eight saves, a 4.19 ERA, and .261 opponents’ batting average along with 152 strikeouts against 66 walks in 191.0 innings pitched over 60 appearances (29 starts).

Five Tigers Shared Captain Title Five Tigers were selected as team captains, as voted on by the players, prior to the 2011 season. Senior outfielder John Hinson, junior infielder Brad Miller, junior catcher Justin Sarratt were all named captains. Epps and Sarratt were captains in 2010 as well.

Future ACC Tournament Sites The 2012 ACC Tournament will be played at NewBridge Bank Park in Greensboro, NC, where it was last played in 2010, while the 2013 tourney will return to Durham (NC) Bulls Athletic Park. Locations for the tournament after the 2013 season have yet to be determined.

Wilhelm Inducted Into College Baseball Hall of Fame Bill Wilhelm, Clemson’s head baseball coach for 36 seasons from 1958-93, was one of seven members of the 2011 class inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame on Feburary 21. The Hall of Fame in Lubbock, TX inducted its first class in 2006. Wilhelm became the first person associated with Clemson to be inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.

Wilhelm, who passed away at the age of 81 on December 24, 2010, posted a record of 1,161-536-10 in 36 years as a head coach, all at Clemson. The 1,161 wins are the most in school history in any sport. In 36 seasons, he never had a losing record and led the Tigers to the College World Series six times (1958,59,76,77,80,91). He coached Clemson to 11 ACC Championships, 16 top-25 seasons, 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, and 19 ACC regular-season titles (including ties). Wilhelm also coached 20 All-Americans, 27 players who went on to play in the Major Leagues, 88 First-Team All-ACC selections, and 100 players who signed a pro contract.

Also inducted were Arizona outfielder Terry Francona (1978-80), Southern catcher Danny Goodwin (1972-75), Duke shortstop Dick Groat (1951,52), Grambling State Head Coach Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones (1926-77), Arizona State outfielder Oddibe McDowell (1983,84), and Cal State Fullerton first-baseman Tim Wallach (1978-79). The members of the 2011 Hall of Fame class were honored during the induction ceremony on July 3 in Lubbock, TX as a part of the College Baseball Foundation’s annual celebration.

Five Former Tigers on Major League Rosters Five former Clemson baseball players are on Major League rosters in 2011. The list includes two members of the Chicago Cubs, Jeff Baker and Tyler Colvin. Former pitchers Jason Berken, Daniel Moskos, and Tony Sipp are also in the Majors.

Baker is in his seventh season in the Majors and third year with the Chicago Cubs. Baker, who is tied for the Tiger record with 59 career home runs, played for the Rockies in the 2007 World Series. Baker entered the 2011 season with 262 hits and 30 home runs during his Major League career.

Berken, who played at Clemson in 2003, 2004, and 2006, had an 18-6 record and 3.04 ERA in 47 appearances (36 starts). He made his Major League debut with Baltimore in 2009 and is in his third Major League season with the Orioles. In 2010, Berken had a 3.03 ERA in 41 relief appearances.

Colvin, in his third Major League season, saw limited action with the Chicago Cubs in the latter stages of the 2009 season before bursting onto the scene in a big way in 2010. He was one of the best rookies in the National League in 2010 when he totaled 18 doubles, five triples, 20 home runs, and 56 RBIs in 135 games.

Moskos made his Major League debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 30, 2011. The #4 overall pick of the 2007 draft was a three-year letterman (2005-07) as a Tiger. He had a 3.25 ERA and 16 saves in 149.2 innings pitched over 81 career appearances (10 starts).

Sipp, who batted .280 and had a 2-2 pitching record for the Tigers in 2004, was called up to Cleveland in 2009 and is in his third year with the Indians. Entering the 2011 season, Sipp had a 3.67 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 103.0 innings pitched over 116 relief appearances in his Major League career.

Tigers Took Two Over Eastern Michigan to Open Year Clemson, ranked as high as #4 in the nation, won two of three games over Eastern Michigan by a combined score of 25-11 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium from February 18-20. The Tigers outhit the Eagles .337 to .228 and totaled 25 walks and eight steals. Brad Miller added three hits and six walks along with four steals. The Tiger pitching staff had a 3.67 ERA and 26 strikeouts against six walks.

In game-one on February 18, Clemson totaled 16 hits and 10 walks en route to a 14-3 win over Eastern Michigan. Every Tiger starter had at least one hit. Epps led off the season for Clemson with a homer, then the Tigers added three more runs in the first inning and never relinquished the lead. The Tigers added three runs in the third, fourth, and seventh innings. Miller went 2-for-3 with three runs, two RBIs, and two walks, Kieboom went 1-for-2 with four RBIs and two of the team’s five sacrifice flies, and John Hinson added three runs and three walks. Scott Weismann, the first of four Tiger pitchers, pitched 5.0 solid innings with four strikeouts to earn the victory.

In game-two on February 19, Daniel Russell scored on a wild pitch with two outs in the eighth inning to give Eastern Michigan a 7-6 win over Clemson. The Eagles scored three runs in both the second and fourth innings to build a 6-0 lead, but the Tigers evened the score on Phil Pohl’s run-scoring single in the seventh inning. Clemson stranded 11 runners on base against only seven for Eastern Michigan. Russell went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two runs to pace Eastern Michigan, who outhit the Tigers 11-9. Kieboom went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs to lead Clemson.

In game-three on February 20, Kevin Brady struck out 10 batters to lead Clemson to a 5-1 win over Eastern Michigan. In 5.1 innings pitched, Brady allowed just two hits, one run, and one walk to earn the win. David Haselden pitched 3.0 innings, allowing just two hits, no runs, and no walks with two strikeouts to record the save. Brady, Haselden, and Jonathan Meyer combined to limit the Eagles to five hits and one walk with 12 strikeouts. Epps hit a two-run homer in the third inning to give Clemson a 3-0 lead. Hinson went 3-for-4 with a double, two runs, and two steals, while Jason Stolz reached base in all four of his plate appearances.

Clemson Cruised to 3-0 Mark in First Pitch Invitational Clemson, ranked as high as #5 in the nation, went 3-0 against three different opponents in the First Pitch Invitational from February 25-27. The Tigers outscored Cincinnati, Charleston Southern, and Michigan State by a combined score of 42-5 and hit .405 while holding their opponents to a .160 batting average. Clemson also had a .507 on-base percentage and 10 steals. Chris Epps went 6-for-10 with six runs and four steals, while Spencer Kieboom also went 6-for-10 with three runs. Richie Shaffer went 3-for-6 with a homer, four RBIs, eight runs, and six walks. The Tiger pitching staff had a 1.33 ERA and 23 strikeouts against five walks.

In the first game against Cincinnati at John Hinson, and Scott Weismann retired the first 10 Bearcats in the game and earned the win. He allowed three hits and two runs with four strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched.

In the second game against Charleston Southern at John Hinson went 2-for-4 with a grand slam and five RBIs. Starter Justin Sarratt combined to limit the Buccaneers to just four hits, including none after the third inning.

In the third game against Michigan State at Greenville, SC on February 27, three Tiger pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts in Clemson’s 8-0 win. In 7.0 innings pitched, Will Lamb, and Alex Frederick combined to allow four hits and no walks while facing just two batters over the minimum. Only two batters reached second base, both on doubles, and none advanced past second base as well. Jason Stolz led Clemson’s 12-hit attack by going 3-for-4 with a double, two runs, two RBIs, and one of the Tigers’ four steals in the game.

Clemson Tamed Terriers 5-1 Four Tiger pitchers combined to limit Wofford to one unearned run in #4 Clemson’s 5-1 win at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on March 2. The win was Clemson’s 1,000th all-time victory at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The Terriers scored a run in the top of the fourth inning, but Clemson tied the score with a run in the bottom of the fourth and took the lead for good with two runs in the fifth inning. Freshman Brad Miller went 1-for-1 with two RBIs and three walks. Wofford outhit Clemson 8-6, but the Terrier pitching staff issued seven walks and three hit-by-pitches.

Gamecocks Took Two From Tigers in Top-Five Battle The #4 South Carolina Gamecocks won two of three games over #4 Clemson at three different sites from March 4-8. Clemson outscored the Gamecocks 17-16 and outhit them .313 to .234. Clemson also had a .404 on-base percentage compared to a .308 on-base percentage for South Carolina. But the Gamecocks only stranded 17 runners on base to Clemson’s 22 and South Carolina turned seven double plays on defense. Brad Miller also went 4-for-10.

In game-one at Carolina Stadium in Columbia on March 4, Brady Thomas, Christian Walker, and Scott Wingo all hit two-run homers to lift South Carolina to a 6-3 win over Clemson. The Tigers scored three runs in the second inning on Phil Pohl’s two-run double and Jason Stolz’s run-scoring single. But that was the only one of five innings in which Clemson scored after putting its leadoff batter on base. Michael Roth pitched 7.0 strong innings to earn the win, while Matt Price pitched 1.2 perfect innings to record the save.

In game-two at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson on March 6, Clemson scored six runs in the eighth inning for a come-from-behind 10-5 win over South Carolina. The Gamecocks scored four runs in the seventh inning to take a 5-3 lead. Trailing 5-4, the Tigers scored six runs on six hits in the eighth inning to pull out the win. Every Tiger starter scored at least one run and nine of the 10 Tigers in the lineup had at least one hit. Clemson outhit South Carolina 15-5, as Stolz had a game-high three hits. Jeff Schaus added two doubles and three RBIs. Joseph Moorefield pitched 2.0 hitless and scoreless innings with two strikeouts to close out the game and earn his first career win. Six Gamecock pitchers combined to issue eight walks and South Carolina committed four errors, as its 14-game winning streak came to an end.

In game-three at Fluor Field in Greenville on March 8, pinch-hitter Jake Williams hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning to break a 1-1 tie and lift South Carolina to a 5-4 win over Clemson. Richie Shaffer’s solo homer in the fourth inning gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead. But the Gamecocks scored four runs in the seventh and another run in the eighth to build a 5-1 lead. Clemson rallied with three runs in the ninth inning and had the potential tying run at third base before Price struck out the Tigers’ last hope to earn the save. Clemson outhit South Carolina 9-8, but the Gamecocks turned three crucial double plays, including one in the ninth inning. Starter David Haselden pitched 6.0 scoreless innings of three-hit ball with five strikeouts.

Cavaliers Handed Tigers Sweep in ACC Opener The #6 Virginia Cavaliers swept #4 Clemson by a combined score of 20-13 at Will Lamb went 5-for-11, while Jeff Schaus went 5-for-12 with two doubles and four RBIs in the series. The Tiger pitching staff had a 4.67 ERA, while the Virginia pitching staff had a 2.67 ERA with 42 strikeouts.

In game-one on March 11, Danny Hultzen and Justin Thompson combined for 18 strikeouts in Virginia’s 5-0 win over Clemson. Hultzen struck out 14 batters in 6.2 innings pitched to earn the victory. He also went 1-for-2 at the plate with a game-high two RBIs. The Tigers were held to just five hits, all of which came in the first three innings. The Tigers did have several scoring opportunities, but they stranded 10 runners on base. Schaus had a game-high two hits to lead the Tigers. The Cavaliers ended Clemson’s 147-game streak of scoring at least one run.

In game-two on March 12, Virginia scored three runs in the eighth inning and one run in the ninth inning to rally for an 8-7 win over Clemson. Virginia built a 4-1 lead, but Brad Miller had a game-high three hits, while Schaus went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs.

In game-three on March 13, Steven Proscia went 4-for-5 with a homer, double, and three RBIs to lead Virginia to a 7-6 win over Clemson. The Tigers rallied from a 3-0 deficit to take the lead with four runs in the second inning. But Proscia’s two-run homer in the third inning gave the Cavaliers the lead for good. Clemson had several scoring chances thanks in part to four Virginia errors, but fell one run short. The Tigers stranded 10 runners on base, including seven in scoring position. Lamb had a team-high three hits, while Schaus added a double and two RBIs. Jonathan Meyer pitched 5.0 scoreless innings in relief of three-hit ball as well.

Blue Hose Capitalized on Error to Edge Clemson 4-3 Tony Micklon scored the go-ahead run on an error with two outs in the eighth inning to lift Presbyterian College to a 4-3 win over #16 Clemson at Fluor Field in Greenville, SC on March 16. It was the Blue Hose’s first win over Clemson since 1949. Justin Sarratt pitched 5.1 strong innings in relief, allowing four hits, one earned run, and no walks with eight strikeouts. Four Tiger pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts against only one walk.

Tigers Swept Duke Behind 34 Runs on 49 Hits The #16 Clemson Tigers swept Duke by a combined score of 34-16 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium from March 18-20. Clemson outhit the Blue Devils .430 to .238 and totaled 49 hits, including 14 doubles, two triples, and two homers, 16 walks, and five steals against a team that entered the series with a 2.70 ERA. Chris Epps added two homers as well. The Tiger pitching staff had a 4.00 ERA and 27 strikeouts against seven walks in the series.

In game-one on March 18, Clemson totaled 14 hits in its 9-6 win over Duke. Clemson scored two runs in both the first and second innings, then Duke tied the score with four two-out runs in the top of the third inning. But the Tigers responded with four two-out runs of their own in the bottom of the third inning to take the lead for good. John Hinson went 3-for-5 with three runs, Schaus went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs, and Pohl went 2-for-5 with a game-high three RBIs.

In game-two on March 19, Clemson batted around in the first and fourth innings and tallied 18 hits in its 16-7 victory over Duke. After Duke scored three runs in the top of the first inning, the Tigers answered with five runs in the bottom of the first. The Blue Devils took the lead in the top of the fourth inning, but Clemson scored seven runs in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead for good. Seven different Tigers totaled two runs, while Schaus, Shaffer, Epps, and Stolz all had three hits apiece. Clemson also amassed six doubles, a home run by Epps, and nine walks along with two hit-by-pitches. Kevin Pohle pitched 3.0 solid innings in relief to earn the victory.

In game-three on March 20, Clemson pounded out 17 hits in its 9-3 win over Duke. The Tigers jumped out to a 6-0 lead after five innings and cruised to victory. Schaus went 3-for-5 with a double, triple, two RBIs, and three runs as one of six Tigers with at least two hits in the game. Shaffer and Spencer Kieboom added three hits apiece, while Epps went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Starter Scott Firth pitched 6.2 strong innings to earn the win. He allowed just three hits, no earned runs, and one walk with five strikeouts. In one stretch of 19 batters, Firth allowed just one baserunner, as that one reached on an error. Three Tiger pitchers combined to limit Duke to three hits in the game.

Tigers Swept Elon in Midweek Series The #15 Clemson Tigers swept Elon in a two-game series by a combined score of 16-4 at Will Lamb and Chris Epps both added three hits, two RBIs, and three runs. The Tiger pitching staff had a 1.50 ERA and 20 strikeouts against only four walks. It also allowed just one extra-base hit.

In game-one on March 22, Alex Frederick pitched 2.0 perfect innings with three strikeouts to close out the game. The Tigers broke the game open with six runs in the sixth inning, keyed by Epps’ two-run double. Kieboom went 3-for-4 with a double, while Lamb and Epps both added two hits and two RBIs in Clemson’s 11-hit attack.

In game-two on March 23, Jeff Schaus, Jon Surber, and Joseph Moorefield combined to pitch 5.0 scoreless innings to close out the game.

Wolfpack Pitchers Tamed Tigers to Win Two Games N.C. State won two of three games over #15 Clemson by a combined score of 14-10 at Doak Field from March 25-27. The Wolfpack outhit the Tigers .261 to .188, while Clemson totaled seven doubles and two home runs. Phil Pohl was 5-for-10 with two doubles to lead Clemson. The Tiger pitching staff had a 5.04 ERA, while Clemson had a .980 fielding percentage, committing just two errors.

In game-one on March 25, Cory Mazzoni tossed a four-hit shutout to lead N.C. State to a 6-0 win over Clemson. Mazzoni struck out 10 batters and pitched the first individual shutout by a Tiger opponent since 2008. At one point, the righthander retired 16 batters in a row. N.C. State, who outhit the Tigers 12-4, broke a scoreless tie with five runs on five hits in the fifth inning, capped by Harold Riggins’ three-run homer. Clemson stranded eight runners on base, including six in scoring position.

In game-two on March 26, relievers Rob Chamra and Chris Overman combined to toss 6.2 scoreless innings of one-hit ball to lead N.C. State to a 5-3 win over Clemson. The Tigers scored two runs in the top of the third inning to take a 3-2 lead. But the Wolfpack scored a run in the bottom of the third inning and another run in the fourth to take the lead for good. Then Chamra stymied the Tiger offense in 5.0 innings pitched to earn the win, while Overman recorded the save by retiring all five batters he faced. Pohl had a team-high two hits to lead Clemson.

In game-three on March 27, Pohl went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs to lead Clemson to a 7-3 win over N.C. State. The Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning, keyed by John Hinson started a three-run fifth inning with a long solo home run. Starter Alex Frederick retired both batters he faced to record the save. The three hurlers limited N.C. State to only five hits in the contest.

Seven-Run Sixth Propelled Tigers Over Georgia 11-5 Will Lamb in relief.

Tar Heels Swept Tigers Despite Being Outhit The #6 North Carolina Tar Heels swept #16 Clemson by a combined score of 27-12 at Boshamer Stadium from April 1-3. Clemson outhit the Tar Heels .279 to .250, but North Carolina totaled 20 walks and nine stolen bases while committing just one error in the series. Jeff Schaus went 7-for-12 (.583) with two RBIs, three runs, two walks, and one steal, while Richie Shaffer was 5-for-11 (.455) with a double, triple, and two walks. Kevin Pohle allowed just one hit and no earned runs in 3.2 innings pitched over two relief appearances as well.

In game-one on April 1, North Carolina scored the game’s final 13 runs to down Clemson 13-3. The Tigers took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but Tommy Coyle hit a two-run homer in bottom of the first. After North Carolina took the lead with two two-out runs in the third inning, Clemson committed two costly errors that led to six Tar Heel runs in the fifth inning. Seth Baldwin went 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs, while North Carolina outhit the Tigers 10-5. Clemson managed just two hits after the first inning. Phil Pohl went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Starter Patrick Johnson struck out 11 in 7.0 innings pitched to earn the win.

In game-two on April 2, North Carolina broke a 5-5 tie with four runs in the eighth inning to defeat Clemson 9-5. The Tar Heels scored three runs in the fifth inning, then Clemson scored three two-out runs in the seventh inning to tie the score. But Levi Michael’s run-scoring double in the eighth gave the Tar Heels the lead for good. Clemson scored just five of its 22 baserunners in the game and left 13 runners on base. Schaus went 4-for-5 with two RBIs to lead Clemson, who outhit the Tar Heels 12-9. Pohl added two hits and two runs as well.

In game-three on April 3, Colin Moran hit a walkoff single with two outs in the ninth inning to score Michael in North Carolina’s 5-4 win over Clemson. The Tigers tied the score in the eighth on Brad Miller lined into a double play, quelling a potential big inning for Clemson. The Tigers outhit North Carolina 12-6 and had four infield lineouts, while Tar Heel infielders made several diving stops on hard-hit ground balls to rob Tiger hitters of more hits. Shaffer and Miller both went 3-for-4, while Shaffer scored three runs.

Tigers Walked Off With 5-4 Win Over Chanticleers Pinch-hitter Will Lamb went 2-for-3 with a key one-out triple and the tying run in the ninth inning along with two walks. David Haselden pitched 7.0 scoreless innings of two-hit ball in relief to earn the win.

Clemson Cruised to 12-3 Win Over Catamounts John Hinson both hit home runs to spark a combined 10 runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings in Clemson’s 12-3 win over Western Carolina at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on April 6. The Tigers scored five runs in the third inning and never trailed again. Clemson also scored two runs in the fourth inning, three runs in the fifth, and two runs in the eighth. Both teams tallied 10 hits, but Western Carolina only scored three of its 16 baserunners. Starter Scott Weismann pitched 6.0 effective innings to earn the win. Jack Leggett earned career win #1,162 against the program he once served as head coach (1983-91), passing the late Bill Wilhelm and Norm DeBriyn for sole possession of 16th place on the all-time wins list by a head coach at a Division I school.

Tigers Won Two Games at Home Against Maryland Clemson won two of three games over Maryland by a combined score of 25-10 at John Hinson went 4-for-11 with four steals, and Jeff Schaus added three hits, six runs, and six walks. The Tiger pitching staff had a 3.33 ERA and 24 strikeouts against 12 walks, while Clemson committed just two errors.

In game-one on April 8, Clemson scored five runs in the second inning and defeated Maryland 12-3. The Terrapins scored three runs in the fifth inning to narrow Clemson’s lead to 6-3, but the Tigers scored four two-out runs in the sixth inning to pull away. Miller went 3-for-4 with a double, triple, three runs, and two RBIs to lead Clemson, who had 13 hits in the game. Schaus and Will Lamb went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs. Jonathan Meyer pitched the final 4.1 innings to earn the win. He allowed just two hits, no runs, and one walk with five strikeouts.

In game-two on April 9, Scott Firth and David Haselden combined for a three-hit shutout in Clemson’s 7-0 win over Maryland. Firth worked out of a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the first inning and cruised the rest of the way. He allowed just two hits with five strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched to earn the win. Haselden yielded only one hit and no walks with three strikeouts to record the save. The Tigers scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back. Miller went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs to pace Clemson, who had 13 hits in the game. Shaffer added three hits, while Phil Pohl hit a two-run homer.

In game-three on April 10, Michael Montville’s single scored Alfredo Rodriguez with one out in the ninth inning for the winning run in Maryland’s 7-6 victory over Clemson. The back-and-forth game saw the Tigers tie the score in the sixth inning, but Clemson was kept off the scoreboard for the rest of the game. Rodriguez, who went 3-for-4, led off the ninth with a double before he scored the winning run. Miller went 4-for-5 with a triple and two RBIs, while Shaffer totaled two doubles and two RBIs. Both teams had nine hits, but Clemson stranded nine runners on base and could not take advantage of nine walks and one hit-by-pitch by Maryland pitchers.

Sarratt Pitched Clemson Past Blue Hose 7-2 John Hinson, who had a game-high three RBIs, added a solo home run in the sixth inning. Dominic Attanasio had a game-high three hits for Clemson, who outhit Presbyterian College 12-5. Sarratt allowed just four hits, one earned run, and one walk with two strikeouts to earn the victory. He faced the minimum 19 batters during one stretch from the first inning through the seventh inning.

Tigers Swept Eagles in Chilly Series on the Road Clemson swept Boston College by a combined score of 25-9 at Commander Shea Field on April 15,16. In chilly conditions with winds blowing in from left field at 15-25 miles per hour all weekend, Clemson outhit the Eagles .327 to .228 and totaled 10 doubles, two homers, and 12 steals while committing just one error in the series. Brad Miller added four hits, four RBIs, and three steals. The Tiger pitching staff had a 2.67 ERA and 26 strikeouts against eight walks.

In game-one on April 15, Clemson totaled seven extra-base hits in its 9-2 win over Boston College. John Hinson and Will Lamb hit solo homers during the first two innings, then the Eagles tied the score in the fifth inning. But Spencer Kieboom’s two-out, two-run double in the sixth inning gave Clemson the lead for good. Pohl and Kieboom had two doubles apiece to lead the Tigers, who outhit the Eagles 11-7. Pohl added a game-high three RBIs. Starter Dominic Leone pitched 6.0 effective innings to earn the victory.

In game-two on April 16, which was the first game of a doubleheader, Clemson broke a 3-3 tie with four runs in the seventh inning and held on for a 7-5 win over Boston College. The Eagles led 3-1 before the Tigers scored two runs in the sixth inning to tie the score. The Eagles put together four straight hits to lead off the eighth inning, but Alex Frederick retired all three batters he faced to record the save. Pohl went 3-for-5 with an RBI to pace the Tigers, who totaled 14 hits and five steals.

In game-three on April 16, which was the second game of a doubleheader, Scott Weismann pitched 2.0 scoreless innings with three strikeouts near his hometown to close out the game. Leading 5-2, Clemson scored four runs in the eighth inning to put the game out of reach. Pohl went 3-for-5 with two runs, while Miller went 2-for-4 with a double, two steals, and a game-high three RBIs for Clemson, who had 12 hits and seven steals.

Tigers Outpitched Georgia in 5-2 Victory on the Road Brad Miller hit a three-run homer in the first inning and Justin Sarratt tossed 6.0 solid innings to lead Clemson to a 5-2 win over Georgia at Foley Field on April 20. Miller went 2-for-3 to lead Clemson’s eight-hit attack. Sarratt allowed just six hits, one run, and no walks with three strikeouts to earn the victory. Four other Tiger hurlers combined to allow no earned runs in the final 3.0 innings to close out the game. Scott Weismann struck out the only batter he faced to record the save. The five Clemson pitchers combined to yield one earned run and no walks with seven strikeouts.

Tigers Took Two Over Demon Deacons at Home Clemson won two of three games over Wake Forest by a combined score of 15-13 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium from April 22-24. Clemson outhit the Demon Deacons .276 to .223 and totaled eight doubles, one homer, and seven steals. Brad Miller went 5-for-12 with four runs and three steals, while Jeff Schaus added two doubles and four RBIs. The Tiger pitching staff had a 3.33 ERA, as Scott Weismann allowed one hit, no runs, and no walks with four strikeouts in 2.2 innings pitched over two relief outings.

In game-one on April 22, Will Lamb run-scoring double. Leone earned the win, while Weismann struck out both batters he faced to record the save. The two pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts, faced just five batters over the minimum, and did not allow a runner past second base. Miller went 2-for-4 with a run and three steals for Clemson, who totaled six hits (four doubles, two singles).

In game-two on April 23, Tim Cooney pitched a complete game to lead Wake Forest to a 9-3 win over Clemson. Cooney scattered nine hits, two earned runs, and no walks with seven strikeouts to earn the win. The Demon Deacons broke a 1-1 tie with three two-out runs in the third inning and added runs in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth innings to pull away. Wake Forest totaled 12 hits and five stolen bases. The Demon Deacons also put their leadoff batter on base seven times and took advantage of three Clemson errors. Pohl had a team-high two hits to pace the Tigers.

In game-three on April 21, Clemson broke a 3-3 tie with five runs in the fifth inning on its way to a 10-4 win over Wake Forest. Spencer Kieboom hit his first career home run in the second inning to tie the score. The Tigers used two hits, three walks, and two errors in the fifth inning to score five runs, highlighted by Schaus’ two-run single. Schaus went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBIs, and a steal to lead Clemson, who outhit the Demon Deacons 12-6. Richie Shaffer went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, two runs, a walk, and steal. Starter Jonathan Meyer allowed just four hits, three runs, and one walk with seven strikeouts to earn the victory.

Tigers Blanked Furman 5-0 Doug Kingsmore Stadium on April 26. Clemson scored two runs in the first inning, then Miller’s three-run homer in the third inning closed out the scoring. Starter Justin Sarratt and three other Tiger pitchers combined for a shutout. Sarratt tossed 6.0 innings, allowing four hits, no runs, and no walks with five strikeouts. The four Clemson hurlers combined to surrender only six hits and no walks with seven strikeouts. They also did not allow a Paladin to advance past second base in the game.

Clemson Topped Catamounts 6-4 in Cullowhee John Hinson added three hits.

Clemson Won Two Over Georgia Tech With Arms Clemson, ranked as high as #23 in the nation, won two of three games over #9 Georgia Tech at Will Lamb went 4-for-10 with a double, two RBIs, and three runs. The Tiger pitching staff had a 2.33 ERA and allowed just 16 hits (14 singles, one double, one homer) against a team that entered the series leading the ACC with a .316 batting average. Scott Weismann had a save in both of Clemson’s victories.

In game-one on April 29, Dominic Leone allowed just two hits in 8.0 innings pitched to lead Clemson to a 4-2 win over Georgia Tech. Leone struck out 10 batters and allowed just two runs and two walks to earn the victory. Weismann pitched a perfect ninth inning to record the save. The Tigers scored single runs in the first and second innings before Zane Evans’ two-run homer in the fifth inning tied the score. But Jason Stolz’s sacrifice fly in the sixth inning gave Clemson the lead for good. Miller went 4-for-4 to lead the Tigers’ 11-hit attack, Stolz totaled three RBIs, and Lamb scored three runs.

In game-two on April 30, Jed Bradley tossed a complete game to lead Georgia Tech to a 5-1 win over Clemson. Bradley allowed seven hits, one unearned run, and one walk with three strikeouts in throwing only 99 pitches. He also did not allow a Tiger leadoff batter to reach base. The Yellow Jackets scored three runs in the first inning on only one hit, which was Sam Dove’s two-out, two-run single. Dove went 5-for-5 with two RBIs to lead the Yellow Jackets, who outhit the Tigers 10-7. Jonathan Meyer and David Haselden combined to allow four walks and one hit-by-pitch. Four of those five baserunners scored. Seven different Tigers accounted for the team’s seven singles.

In game-three on May 1, Jeff Schaus two-out, run-scoring double and Lamb’s run-scoring single in the bottom of the fourth inning gave Clemson a 3-1 lead. Both teams had just four hits in the game.

Tigers Swept Gardner-Webb By a 30-2 Combined Score Clemson, ranked as high as #16 in the nation, swept Gardner-Webb in a three-game series at two different sites by a combined score of 30-2 on May 7,8. Clemson outhit the Bulldogs .366 to .149 and totaled 10 doubles, one triple, two homers, 15 walks, and seven steals. Jeff Schaus went 6-for-10 with a double, three RBIs, four runs, and two steals. The Tiger pitching staff had an 0.33 ERA and allowed just 14 hits, one earned run, and two walks with 25 strikeouts against a team that entered the week sixth in the nation in batting average (.323).

In game-one on May 7, which was the first game of a doubleheader, Clemson scored five runs in the third inning and seven runs in the seventh inning en route to a 13-1 win over Gardner-Webb at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The Tigers outhit Gardner-Webb 11-5 and totaled 10 walks. Shaffer went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, while Brad Miller added a double, two runs, three walks, and two steals. Starter Dominic Leone pitched 7.0 strong innings to earn the win. He allowed just two hits, one run, and one walk with eight strikeouts.

In game-two on May 7, which was the second game of a doubleheader, Clemson totaled 20 hits in its 12-0 victory over Gardner-Webb at John Hinson, Shaffer, and Will Lamb all added three hits apiece. Starter Jonathan Meyer pitched 6.1 effective innings to earn the win. He yielded just three singles, no runs, and no walks in throwing only 53 pitches, 43 of which were strikes. The four Tiger hurlers combined to face just three batters over the minimum and did not allow a runner past second base. Jack Leggett recorded his 800th victory as Clemson’s head coach as well.

In game-three on May 8, three Tiger pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts and did not allow an earned run in Clemson’s 5-1 win over Gardner-Webb at John Henry Moss Stadium in Boiling Springs, NC. Clemson jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, then Gardner-Webb scored an unearned run in the second inning. But two Tiger runs in the sixth inning and Shaffer’s solo homer in the eighth inning gave Clemson the four-run victory. Starter Justin Sarratt allowed just four hits, no earned runs, and one walk with six strikeouts to earn the win, Scott Weismann retired all three batters he faced in the ninth inning to close out the game.

Clutch Hitting & Pitching Led Tigers Over Furman 5-1 The #16 Clemson Tigers scored all five of their runs on two-out hits in their 5-1 victory over Furman at Fluor Field in Greenville, SC on May 10. Will Lamb went 3-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the Tigers’ 11-hit attack. Four Tiger pitchers combined to limit Furman to seven hits and one unearned run. The Paladins put 15 batters on base in the game, but Clemson held them to 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 baserunners, including eight in scoring position. Scott Firth pitched 3.0 scoreless innings in relief to earn the win, while Matt Campbell pitched 1.2 hitless and scoreless innings to record his first career save.

Clemson Topped Buccaneers 8-3 Behind 14 Hits John Hinson went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs, while Phil Pohl went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs. Kevin Pohle pitched 5.0 scoreless innings of three-hit ball to earn the win in his first career start.

Tigers Outhit Hokies to Win Two Games in Blacksburg Clemson, ranked as high as #16 in the nation, won two of three games over Virginia Tech by a combined score of 17-8 at English Field on May 14,15. Clemson outhit the Hokies .333 to .237 and totaled 14 walks. John Hinson was 7-for-14 with a homer and three RBIs, while Brad Miller was 5-for-12 with a homer and four RBIs. The Tiger pitching staff had a 2.77 ERA and 28 strikeouts against only six walks in 26.0 innings pitched. Clemson relievers combined to pitch 5.2 scoreless innings of two-hit ball with seven strikeouts. The Tigers did not commit an error in the series as well.

In game-one on May 14, which was the first game of a doubleheader, Will Lamb. Dominic Leone allowed two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched to earn the win.

In game-two on May 14, which was the second game of a doubleheader, Miller broke a 3-3 tie with a three-run homer in the eighth inning to lift Clemson to an 8-3 victory over Virginia Tech. The Hokies tied the score with a run in the seventh inning, but Clemson worked out of a jam in the frame to keep the score tied. Clemson added two runs in the ninth inning. Hinson went 4-for-5 with a homer, two RBIs, and two runs for the Tigers, who outhit the Hokies 13-6. Joseph Moorefield earned the win in relief, while Matt Campbell recorded the save.

In game-three on May 15, Joe Parsons and Manny Martir combined to allow just two of 14 baserunners to score in Virginia Tech’s 3-2 victory over Clemson. Down 3-1 in the ninth inning, Chris Epps scored and Jon McGibbon advanced to third base on a wild pitch with one out. But Martir retired the next two Tigers without allowing another run. The Tigers totaled seven hits and seven walks, but they were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base. Jonathan Meyer pitched his first career complete game and allowed just nine batters to reach base in 8.0 innings pitched.

Tigers Scored in Every Inning in 19-0 Rout of Davidson Behind 23 hits, #15 Clemson routed Davidson 19-0 at Will Lamb went 5-for-5 with a double, three RBIs, and three runs, while Chris Epps was 4-for-6 with a homer, triple, three RBIs, and two runs. Seven Tigers in all had at least two hits in the game, including Richie Shaffer, who belted a three-run homer in the second inning. Five Tiger pitchers combined on a seven-hit shutout. Only two Wildcats advanced past first base and none advanced past second base. Starter Kevin Pohle pitched 5.0 innings to earn the win, while Kevin Brady pitched a perfect inning in relief in his return from an arm injury that he suffered on March 6.

Tigers Topped #4 Seminoles Twice on the Road Clemson, ranked as high as #15 in the nation, won two of three games over #4 Florida State by a combined score of 21-17 at Dick Howser Stadium from May 19-21. Clemson outhit the Seminoles .305 to .241 and had a .411 on-base percentage, six homers, 19 walks, and four steals. The Tigers also hit two homers in each of the three games. Brad Miller went 5-for-11 with a homer and double. Scott Weismann pitched 2.1 hitless and scoreless innings with two saves.

In game-one on May 19, Florida State scored in five of the first six innings and outlasted Clemson 8-6. After Miller’s solo homer in the first, the Seminoles scored six combined runs in the first four innings to take a 6-1 lead. But the Tigers battled back to cut the Seminole lead to 8-6 in the eighth inning before Florida State worked out of a bases-loaded jam. Sean Gilmartin pitched 7.0 effective innings to earn the win, while Daniel Bennett pitched the final 1.1 innings to record the save. Shaffer added a solo homer in the sixth inning for the Tigers, who outhit the Seminoles 10-9.

In game-two on May 20, Clemson built a 7-0 lead after five innings and held on for a 7-4 win over Florida State. The Tigers scored four runs in the third inning and added two runs in the fifth inning on Will Lamb two-run homer. The Seminoles chipped away with two runs in the sixth inning and two runs in the eighth. But Weismann closed the door and picked up the save. Starter Jeff Schaus had three hits apiece to lead Clemson, who outhit Florida State 13-7 and drew eight walks. Schaus registered his 300th career hit in the game as well.

In game-three on May 21, Clemson jumped out to a 5-0 lead and held on for an 8-5 win over Florida State. Highlighted by a solo homer by Shaffer, the Tigers scored four runs in the top of the fourth inning to take a 5-0 lead. James Ramsey’s three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning and two Seminole runs in the eighth inning narrowed Clemson’s lead to 6-5. But John Hinson solo homer in the ninth inning helped the Tigers to the three-run win. Schaus had a team-high two hits for the Tigers, who outhit the Seminoles 9-8. Haselden pitched 2.2 hitless and scoreless innings in relief to earn the win, while Weismann retired all three batters he faced to record the save.

Tigers Went 2-1 in ACC Tourney But Fell Short of Title Clemson, ranked as high as #14 in the nation, went 2-1 in the ACC Tournament at Durham (NC) Bulls Athletic Park from May 25-28. The Tigers outscored their opposition 18-9 and had a .298 batting average along with 10 doubles, four homers, three steals, and 11 walks against only nine strikeouts. Chris Epps, who earned All-ACC Tournament honors, went 3-for-9 with two homers, one double, five RBIs, and three walks. The Tiger pitching staff had a 3.00 ERA and .284 opponents’ batting average. Clemson’s defense committed just one error and turned six double plays as well.

In the Tigers’ first game of the ACC Tournament on May 25, Dominic Leone and David Haselden combined for a six-hit shutout in Clemson’s 9-0 win over #8 Georgia Tech. Leone allowed four hits with five strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched to earn the win, then Haselden pitched 4.0 innings of two-hit ball to record the save. Epps’ three-run homer in the fourth inning broke a scoreless tie. The Tigers added five runs in the ninth inning, highlighted by two-out, two-run doubles by both Richie Shaffer and Schaus. Seven of Clemson’s eight RBIs came with two outs. Schaus went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs to lead Clemson, who totaled 13 hits in the game.

In the Tigers’ second game of the ACC Tournament on May 26, every Seminole starter had a hit in #7 Florida State’s 6-3 win over Clemson. The Seminoles put seven leadoff batters on base and James Ramsey went 2-for-3 with a homer and four RBIs to lead Florida State’s 13-hit attack. Sean Gilmartin tossed 6.0 effective innings to earn the win, while Daniel Bennett pitched a scoreless ninth inning to record the save. Will Lamb had two hits apiece to pace the Tigers, who totaled 10 hits in the game. Clemson stranded eight runners on base, including six in scoring position.

In the Tigers’ third game of the ACC Tournament on May 28, Clemson hit three home runs and defeated N.C. State 6-3. Brad Miller hit a solo homer in the fourth inning to cut N.C. State’s lead to 2-1. Then with the Wolfpack ahead 3-1 with two outs in the sixth inning, Shaffer crushed a three-run homer to give the Tigers the lead for good. Epps added a solo homer in the seventh inning. Scott Weismann pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts to record the save.

Tigers Fell Short in Clemson Regional The #12 Clemson Tigers went 2-2 in the Clemson (SC) Regional at John Hinson was 8-for-17 with seven runs, one double, two homers, six RBIs, three walks, and two steals. Will Lamb was 6-for-15 with six runs, one triple, and one homer, Phil Pohl totaled seven hits, including three doubles, and Richie Shaffer added two homers and five RBIs. The Tiger pitching staff had a 6.31 ERA and 31 strikeouts against nine walks.

In the Tigers’ first game of the Clemson Regional on June 3, Clemson scored all 11 of its runs in the first three innings and cruised to an 11-1 win over Sacred Heart. The Tigers scored four runs in the first inning, one run in the second, and six runs in the third inning to break the game open. Hinson’s three-run homer highlighted the uprising in the third inning. Hinson went 3-for-3 with a homer, double, three RBIs, three runs, a walk, and steal to lead Clemson, who totaled 12 hits in the contest. Chris Epps added two hits and three RBIs. Starter Scott Firth allowed six hits, one run, and one walk with five strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched to earn the win.

In the Tigers’ second game of the Clemson Regional on June 4, Shaffer, Lamb, and Hinson all hit home runs to lead Clemson to a 12-7 win over #21 Coastal Carolina. After both teams scored two runs in the first inning, Clemson scored two unearned runs in the second inning and never relinquished the lead. With the Tigers ahead 7-5, they scored one run in the seventh inning and four runs in the eighth inning to pull away. Shaffer went 3-for-4 with a homer, double, and four RBIs to lead Clemson’s 14-hit attack. Lamb went 3-for-4 with a homer, triple, two RBIs, and three runs. David Haselden pitched 4.0 effective innings in relief to earn the victory.

In the Tigers’ third game of the Clemson Regional on June 5, Ryan Fuller’s two-out, walkoff single in the ninth inning scored L.J. Mazzili to give #16 Connecticut a 7-6 win over Clemson. The Huskies scored three runs in the eighth inning to take a 6-4 lead. With two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the ninth inning, Spencer Kieboom lined a two-run single to left field to tie the score. But Connecticut put its leadoff batter on base in the bottom of the ninth inning and scored the winning run. The Tigers put 21 batters on base in the contest, but only scored six runs. Clemson stranded 13 runners on base, including seven in scoring position. Lamb had a team-high three hits for the Tigers, while every Husky had at least one hit.

In the Tigers’ fourth game of the Clemson Regional on June 6, #16 Connecticut totaled 17 hits in its 14-1 win over Clemson to capture the regional title. The Huskies scored three runs in the first inning, five runs in the fifth inning, and six runs in the eighth inning. Fuller led the Huskies by going 3-for-5 with a homer, five RBIs, and two runs. Connecticut starter Greg Nappo, who earned Clemson Regional MVP honors, tossed 5.2 strong innings, allowing five hits and one run to earn the win. Dan Feehan pitched the final 3.1 innings without allowing a run to record the save . Shaffer’s solo homer in the second inning provided the Tigers’ lone run.