Clemson Squeaks Out 6-3 Victory over East Tennessee State in Extra Innings

April 23, 2003

Clemson, SC- Michael Johnson hit a three-run blast in the bottom of the 12th inning to lift Clemson to a 6-3 victory over East Tennessee State at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. All six Tiger runs came courtesy of home runs. The win improved the 20th-ranked Tigers to 28-13 overall, while the Buccaneers fell to 11-26 on the year.

Johnson’s homer was his eighth of the season, tying him with Brad McCann for the team lead in that category. The first baseman from Georgetown, SC was 3-for-5 in the contest. Johnson’s homer, which easily traveled 450 feet, was set up following consecutive singles by David Slevin and Russell Triplett.

Clemson used five different pitchers in the ball game. Paul Harrelson (2-1) came on in relief to pitch 6.0 innings of one-hit ball. He struck out eight of Clemson’s 15 on the night. The 6.0 innings pitched tied his career high (also was his career high for a relief appearance) and the eight strikeouts easily set a career high. Trevor Smith (0-1) was credited the loss for the Buccaneers after pitching 1.1 innings and giving up the game-winner to Johnson.

The Buccaneers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Hourigan issued consecutive walks to Blake Church and Jordan Abromovitz, and then moved each over one base on a wild pitch. Chad Boruff then slapped a double into left center field to score both runners.

Clemson responded in the third when Russell Triplett lined his fourth home run of the year over the left field fence. His shot scored Ryan Hub and Brady Everett and made the score 3-2 in favor of the Tigers.

East Tennessee State knotted the game up at 3-3 after Boruff hit his second double of the night to left field, scoring Steven Calicutt from third. Boruff drove in all three runs for the Buccaneers.

Clemson next plays host to #4 Georgia Tech in ACC action this weekend. Friday’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be televised by Fox Sports Net South. All three games will be broadcast by Clemson Tiger Sports Properties and live stats will be available on the Internet.