Elon Edges #5 Tigers 4-3 in 10 Innings Wednesday to Sweep Midweek Series

March 24, 2010

Clemson, SC –

Ryan Adams hit a two-out double and scored on Seth Canipe’s single in the 10th inning to lift Elon to a 4-3 victory over #5 Clemson in front of 3,851 fans at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Wednesday night. The Phoenix, who won both games of the midweek series, improved to 12-9, while the Tigers fell to 17-4.

The Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, then the Phoenix scored three combined runs in the second and third innings to take the lead. After the Tigers tied the score in the fourth inning, both teams went scoreless during the next five innings before Canipe delivered the game-winning single in the 10th inning.

Thomas Girdwood (2-0) earned the win, as he pitched a hitless and scoreless ninth inning. Adams, who scored the winning run, also recorded his first save of the season by pitching a perfect 10th inning.

Tiger reliever Alex Frederick tossed a career-high 4.0 innings in relief and did not allow a run.

The Tigers grabbed the game’s first lead in the first inning after the first two batters of the frame were retired. Jeff Schaus drew a two-out walk and stole second. Kyle Parker followed with a single to right field to plate Schaus. Wilson Boyd hit a single up the middle to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, then Will Lamb walked to load the bases. John Hinson drew another walk to bring home Parker.

The Phoenix responded with two runs in the second inning to tie the score. Seth Canipe walked with two outs and Scott Riddle singled up the middle. After both runners moved up a base on a passed ball, Justin Hilt ripped a double to right-center to score Canipe and Riddle.

In the third inning, Mike Melillo led off with a single through right side, stole second, and advanced to third on Neal Pritchard’s groundout to first. Alex Swim also grounded out to first to plate Melillo, giving Elon a 3-2 lead.

In the fourth inning, Brad Miller walked to load the bases, Mike Freeman hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Pohl.

After five scoreless innings, Elon took the lead in the top of the 10th inning despite the first two batters of the inning being retired. Adams hit a two-out double to right-center and scored on Canipe’s single through the left side.

In the bottom of the 10th inning, Adams retired the Tigers in order to give Elon the one-run win.

Hilt, Niko Fraser, and Adams had two hits apiece to pace Elon’s 10-hit attack. Six different Tigers accounted for Clemson’s six hits in the game. Both teams stranded 11 runners on base, while Clemson left seven of its 11 in scoring position.

Clemson will play at top-ranked Virginia in a three-game series starting Friday at 6:00 PM.