On a hot Saturday afternoon, Clemson and Coach Monte Lee were looking for a strong bounce back victory against Austin Peay following their 6-3 loss on Friday night.
Clemson's explosive offense and outstanding pitching drove them to a 10-1 victory.
While Jacob Hennessy only struck out two batters in Friday’s losing effort, Brooks Crawford started strong by doing just the same in the first frame. Little did everyone know that Crawford would have a career day on the mound.
Logan Davidson sparked Clemson’s offense early with a leadoff home run, his 11th on the season.
With the game tied at 1-1, Davidson drew a leadoff walk, he was able to steal second base and advance to third on a throwing error by the Governors. Austin Peay’s starting pitcher Jacques Pucheu tossed one in the dirt, allowing Davidson to score from third base on a close call.
Later in the 5th, Davidson doubled to score Jordan Greene and make it 3-1.
Brooks Crawford continued his dominance throughout the day, tallying at least one strikeout in every inning through the 6th. Crawford came back out to start the 7th, but after 98 pitches and a phenomenal start, Monte Lee turned to his bullpen and Carson Spiers.
There was some controversy in the bottom of the 7th. With one out Logan Davidson hit, what appeared to be, his second home run of the game. The ball sailed over the top of the grandstands, yet the umpires ruled it foul. Following a lengthy review, the umpires stood by their call. On the next pitch, Davidson drew a walk.
After Seth Beer was walked, Kyle Wilkie stepped to the plate with two runners on and one out. Wilkie doubled down the right field line bringing Davidson home and swinging Beer over the third. In attempt to keep more runs off the board, Austin Peay intentionally walked Williams to load the bases.
Seth Beer would score shortly after that on a passed ball to Sam Hall and Wilkie would tag on a line out by Drew Donathan to right field.
Austin Peay tried to catch Sam Hall stealing second base, but the throw was off and into the outfield. Chris Williams came home and extended Clemson’s lead to 7-1.
The onslaught continued in the eighth inning. With two runners on, Davidson hit a double to right center field to score two runs. A few batters later, Chris Williams grounded out to a double play, but a run scored.
Clemson improves to 38-13 overall with the win, and Austin Peay falls to 30-21 overall. The two teams will play the rubber match on Sunday at 1pm.