Clemson has been looking for something to get its season back on track, and perhaps, a 1-0 victory at no. 23 Wake Forest will do just that. Tyler Corbitt’s sacrifice fly broke up a pitching duel and produced the winning run, Friday.
The ninth inning started well for the Tigers, as Cooper Ingle reached on a leadoff single, followed by Blake Wright’s hit to left. Max Wagner was hit by a pitch to load the bases. After a Caden Grace strikeout, Corbitt lofted a 1-1 pitch deep enough to plate Ingle with the go-ahead run. Wake was unable to capitalize on a leadoff baserunner in the bottom half of the ninth and stranded him to finish the game.
Geoffrey Gilbert (2-1) secured the victory for Clemson after pitching three scoreless innings in relief of starter Mack Anglin (4-3). The two combined for 11 strikeouts while allowing just four hits. Camden Minacci (1-1) took the loss for the Demon Deacons, as ace Rhett Lowder (7-1) was pulled after eight scoreless innings after allowing just three hits and striking out 11.
Clemson improves to 21-12, 3-9 and halts Wake Forest’s five=game winning streak. Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 pm.