Clemson bounces back for 4-3 victory at GT to earn doubleheader split after dropping Game 1 18-2 (AUDIO)

No. 3 Clemson earned a split of its doubleheader against Georgia Tech with a dramatic come-from-behind 4-3 victory in the nightcap, Saturday, after dropping the opener 18-2 (7 innings).

The two games couldn’t have been more dissimilar, with the first game being decided in the early innings and the finale coming down to the final pitch.

Game 1 didn’t feature much tension after the 19th-ranked Yellow Jackets bushwhacked Tigers’ pitching for five homers and 13 runs in the first four innings. Game 2 was a different story, however, with Clemson losing the lead in the eighth before regaining it in the ninth.

With a runner on first and the Tigers leading 2-1 in the eighth, head coach Erik Bakich called on Reed Garris to protect the lead. But Bakich’s move didn’t go according to plan as GT’s Drew Barris ambushed the senior righthander, hitting the first pitch he saw toward the football practice facility over the left field fence for a two-run homer. Garris regrouped and retired the next three batters on eight pitches to hold the deficit at 3-2.

Georgia Tech’s lead was shortlived as Clemson returned the favor in the ninth, loading the bases with one out and DH Collin Priest coming to the plate. Priest was hit by a pitch, forcing in Cam Cannarella with the game-tying run. Two batters later, Luke Gaffney scored on Andrew Ciufo’s infield single to put the Tigers back in front.

Garris (2-0, 1.62) worked around a ninth-inning walk, fanning the final two hitters to seal the win and the series for Clemson.

After suffering a drubbing and being forced into using five pitchers in Game 1, BJ Bailey gave the Tigers a much-needed lift with his first career start in Game 2. Bailey struck out eight and gave up just one run on four hits in six innings of work. The veteran southpaw didn’t figure in the decision, but did lower his ERA to 0.79 and Bakich said Bailey solidified himself as a weekend starter thanks to his performance.

Clemson (26-5, 6-3) will next play a neutral-site game in North Augusta against Georgia Southern. First pitch between the Tigers and the Eagles is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday.

Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

Clemson postgame comments from Erik Bakich
and BJ Bailey