Clemson excited the Road to Omaha begins at DKS as Tigers seek first CWS appearance in 15 years (AUDIO)

**Drew Titsworth will draw the start for Clemson on Friday vs Upstate**

DOUG KINGSMORE STADIUM: The four teams at the Clemson Regional gathered Thursday for one final practice before the start of the NCAA Tournament on Friday. Clemson, West Virginia, Kentucky and Upstate took their turns on the field and hitting in the batting cage.

Clemson coach Erik Bakich announced that Drew Titsworth will start Friday’s game against Upstate. Titsworth began the season as a starter. He moved into the #2 starter’s role in the Louisville series in mid-April. He’s 2-1 as a starter. Overall, Titsworth has a 5-1 record with a 4.26 ERA.

Bakick also said two pitchers who have been out nursing injuries, Ethan Darden and Reed Garris, have been cleared and will be available to pitch in the regional. Darden was the number two starter before coming out of the April 12th game with Stanford with a tricep injury. Before the injury, Darden was 4-2 with a 6.07 ERA.

Garris has been one of the Tigers’ top relievers with a 3-0 record, three saves and a 1.33 ERA He tweaked his back in the May 9th game against Duke and hasn’t pitches since.

Weather could be an issue for Friday’s schedule with a 89% chance of rain in the forecast.