Photos by Clemson Athletics
Presbyterian College was nipping at Clemson’s heels and threatening to pull an upset before the eighth-ranked Tigers exploded for a five-run seventh inning en route to an 8-2 victory at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Tuesday.
Clemson was leading by a run entering the seventh and loaded the bases on a walk to right fielder Alden Mathes, a single from shortstop Andrew Ciufo and a hit batsman (catcher Jacob Jarrell). First baseman Jack Crighton drew a base on balls to force in a run before Jarren Purify landed the haymaker: a home run to left that cleared the bases and gave the Tigers an 8-2 lead they would never relinquish.
Purify’s first collegiate hit, RBI, home run and grand slam all came with one swing. The pitch Purify belted was on the outside corner and appeared to come off the end of the bat, but the freshman second baseman got enough of it to loft it over the left field wall at Kingsmore Stadium and send the home crowd into a frenzy.
Cam Cannarella led off the game with a homer to give Clemson an early lead, but PC (4-1) bounced back, plating a pair of runs in the third to take a 2-1 lead. Jimmy Obertop answered on the Tigers’ behalf with a solo homer and an RBI single, putting Clemson back in front.
Austin Gordon started and didn’t surrender a run before giving way to Joe Allen. Allen (1-0) gave up two runs but picked up the win after 4.0 innings of work.
Clemson (4-0) will next begin a three-game series against Kennesaw State on Friday. Game 1 of the series from Doug Kingsmore Stadium is scheduled for 5 p.m.
