Kennesaw State rocked Clemson pitching for 20 hits in an 18-1 victory at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Friday, handing the Tigers their first loss of the season.
Head coach Erik Bakich sent eight Clemson pitchers to the mound and none of them escaped unscathed, each giving up at least two runs. Starter Billy Barlow (1-1) suffered the loss after surrendering five earned in just two innings. Nick Clayton came on in relief and fared no better, seeing his early-season ERA balloon to 10.13 after giving up four runs in the fifth.
Clemson couldn’t get the bats going, either, registering just one extra-base hit against the Owls on Brodey Conn’s solo homer in the eighth. It was the first career hit and home run for Conn. The Tigers reached base just seven times on five hits and a pair of walks. Cam Cannarella singled in the first, extending his hitting streak to 14 games.
According to Baseball America’s Ted Cahill, the rout at the hands of Kennesaw State was Clemson’s worst home defeat since 1936.
The Tigers (4-1) will look to put Friday’s debacle behind them and turn their attention to Game 2 of the series, Saturday. First pitch from Doug Kingsmore Stadium is set for 2 p.m.
Box Score
Erik Bakich postgame press conference
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