Photos by Clemson Athletics
Clemson’s April rampage through the ACC has continued into May as the Tigers opened their series against Louisville with a 6-3 victory at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Friday.
Billy Amick hit his seventh home run of the season, Cooper Ingle (2-4) extended his hitting streak to 17 games and Cam Cannarella finished 4 for 5 to help Clemson overcome an early 3-1 deficit. Will Taylor also reached base four times, going 3 for 4 with a walk, RBI and run scored. Cardinals pitchers spent a lot of time in the stretch as the Tigers reached base 19 times on 15 hits and four walks.
After dropping its first three ACC series, Clemson (29-17, 12-10) has won its last four conference series and is off on the right foot against the Cardinals. In total, the Tigers won 12 of their 17 games in April and including Friday’s victory over Louisville (29-1, 9-13), have won seven of their last eight overall. Clemson started 2-8 in league play and were in danger of letting the season slip away. But the ingredients have come together over the last month and Erik Bakich’s bunch have won 10 of their last 12 against ACC foes.
Reed Garris (4-0) picked up the win in relief of Ethan Darden, and Ryan Ammons picked up a four-out save, his third save of the season. Darden gave up three earned runs and struck out six over 6.0 full innings.
Clemson and Louisville lock up for Game 2 of the series at 2 p.m., Saturday.
