Spartans Top Tigers 8-6

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Blaise Salter hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning to give Michigan State the lead for good in its 8-6 win over Clemson at Fluor Field on Wednesday night. The Spartans improved to 7-7, while the Tigers dropped to 8-7. It was the first meeting between the two since 2011.

Tyler Slaton scored each of Clemson’s first three runs, including one after a triple to lead off the third inning. But with the Spartans trailing 3-2 in the fifth inning, Salter, who was 4-for-4 with a double and four RBIs in the game, lined a three-run homer to left field to give Michigan State a 5-3 lead. The Spartans added one insurance run in the sixth inning and two more in the seventh inning.

Joe Mockbee (1-0) earned the win in relief, as he gave up just three hits, one unearned run and one walk with five strikeouts in 3.0 innings pitched. Tiger starter Charlie Barnes (1-2) suffered the loss, as he yielded four runs on six hits in 4.1 innings pitched.

The Tigers return to ACC action this weekend at Doug Kingsmore Stadium when they host Notre Dame for a three-game series beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN3. Children 12 and under receive free admission with a paying adult. It is also 70s Night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, then join us for an exciting 10-minute postgame fireworks show.

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