Seven-Run Second Sparks #24 Tigers’ 14-2 Win Over Eagles Tuesday

May 4, 2010

‘; //–>

Clemson, SC –

Behind seven runs with two outs in the second inning, #24 Clemson blasted Florida Gulf Coast 14-2 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. The Tigers, who won the series 3-1, improved to 28-17. The Eagles, who suffered their third loss in a row for the first time in 2010, dropped to 28-16.

Junior righthander Alex Frederick (3-1) earned the victory in his first start as a Tiger. The Lagrangeville, NY native allowed four hits, two runs (one earned), and two walks with six strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched. Kevin Kyle, and Josh Thrailkill combined to pitch the final 4.0 innings without allowing a run.

Patrick Nathanson (4-3), the first of five Eagle pitchers, suffered the loss. He yielded five hits, seven runs, and five walks with three strikeouts in 1.2 innings pitched.

The Eagles took the contest’s first lead without the benefit of a hit and thanks to two Tiger errors in the first inning. Stephen Wickens was hit by the first pitch of the game and catcher John Nester booted Mikel Alvarez’s sacrifice bunt. Wickens was erased at third base on Tim Roberson’s bunt back to the mound, then Zach Maxfield hit a potential inning-ending, double-play grounder. But shortstop Brad Miller booted the ball and all runners were safe. Josh Chester’s sacrifice fly to left-center plated Alvarez to give Florida Gulf Coast a 1-0 lead.

In the second inning, the Tigers took advantage of three walks and five two-out hits to score seven runs, all with two outs. Nester drew a one-out walk and Brad Miller completed the team cycle in the frame by lacing a triple to right-center to score Hinson.

Roberson hit a solo homer down the left-field line, his 10th long ball of the year, in the top of the fifth inning. It also snapped Frederick’s 9.2 inning streak of not allowing an earned run over five appearances.

Clemson came right back and scored three runs on five straight hits in the bottom of the fifth inning. Hinson led off with a single through the left side and went to third on Miller’s single to right field. Nester followed with a bloop double down the right-field line to score Hinson. Wilson Boyd then singled through the right side past a drawn-in infield to score Miller and Nester, upping Clemson’s lead to 10-2.

In the sixth inning, Parker led off with a single through the left side and advanced to third two batters later on Miller’s single up the middle. Spencer Kieboom reached on a fielder’s choice that allowed Parker to score.

Phil Pohl led off the seventh inning with a triple to right-center and scored on Lamb’s groundout. After Freeman reached on an error, he scored on Parker’s two-out double off the top of the fence in left-center.

In the eighth inning, Chris Epps drew a two-out walk and Pohl was hit-by-pitch. Lamb then grounded a single up the middle to score Epps and up Clemson’s lead to 14-2.

Clemson outhit Florida Gulf Coast 15-6 and totaled three doubles, two triples, and a homer. Parker went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBIs, two runs, and a walk. Miller went 3-for-5 with a triple and RBI.

Roberson had a team-high two hits to lead the Eagles.

Clemson will begin a seven-game stretch away from home starting this weekend. The Tigers will play a three-game series at Maryland beginning Friday at 6:00 PM.