#Clemson takes series at Duke behind Obertop’s 10th-inning homer (AUDIO)

No. 8 Clemson managed just four hits and two runs in its series-opening loss at Jack Coombs Field in Durham, NC, Friday. The Tigers’ bats roared back in a big way, however, launching five homers and scoring 16 runs in the final two games of the series, including an 8-6 10-inning victory over third-ranked Duke, Sunday.

Not only did the Clemson lineup hit for power in Games 2 and 3, but the hits delivered were timely. The Tigers and Blue Devils were knotted up at 5 runs, apiece, heading into the top of the 10th, Sunday. Catcher Jimmy Obertop stepped to the plate to face Duke righthander Charlie Beilenson. Beilenson fired a fastball over the outer half of the plate that Obertop lofted toward the group of flagpoles in right-center. The ball had plenty of carry to clear the fence, giving Clemson a 6-5 lead.

Two batters later, Jacob Hinderleider provided some insurance with a two-run homer to make the score 8-5 in favor of Clemson. Duke scored once in the home half of the 10th on a sacrifice fly, but Matthew Marchal shut it down there for his first save. Rob Hughes pitched a scoreless ninth to secure his first win. Hughes has yet to surrender a run this season.

Obertop also played a role in getting the game into extra innings. With Duke’s Alex Stone on first and the game tied in the ninth, AJ Gracia doubled down the right field line. Tigers’ right fielder Alden Mathes sprinted to the corner and gathered the ball quickly. Malthes got it to second baseman Jarren Purify who relayed it home to Obertop in plenty of time to cut Stone down at the plate.

Blake Wright also homered, his seventh of the season, and Clemson got a quality start from freshman Aidan Knaak. Knaak gave up just one earned run and struck out nine in 6.1 innings.

Clemson (17-2, 2-1) returns home to face Winthrop at 6 p.m., Tuesday.

Box Score

Erik Bakich postgame comments