Clemson moves to 5-0 with win over the Bryant Bulldogs
On a ridiculously warm (75 degree) Friday afternoon, Aidan Knaak and Clemson get past the Bryant Bulldogs 9-3.
Knaak, in his second start, continued to shine. Through five innings pitched, the Junior logged eight strikeouts, zero earned runs allowed, and just one hit allowed. Aidan’s last start came at the season opener, where he pitched three innings, allowed just three hits and zero earned runs while putting up six strikeouts in a 3-2 victory over Army.
Bryant got the scoring started, with one of the more ridiculous runs you’ll see all season. The Bulldogs Right Fielder Charlie Saul hit what was credited to be a single down right field center. Clemson Center Fielder Bryce Clavon let the ball fly right past, resulting in an inside the park Home Run. The Tigers responded in the bottom of the 2nd with a one run homer from First Baseman Luke Gaffney, and a two run home run from Catcher Jacob Jarrell, advancing designated hitter Jack Crighton. Gaffney ended the day with three hits, one run, one RBI, and a homer.
Bryant evened the score at the end of the 7th, with a groundout advancing Saul for his second run of the game. The Bulldogs responded to a failed pickoff attempt, allowing Hunter Kingsbury to score. Clemson erupted in the 8th, with six runs to stretch the score to 9-3. The Tigers rode that lead to the end of the game.
With the win, Clemson moves to 5-0 on the season, winning their opener against Charlotte, and sweeping Army in their first series of the regular season. The Tigers will take the mound once again against Bryant at 2pm on Saturday, February 21st and at 1pm on Saturday, February 22nd. They continue play against small school opponents until their three game series in Columbia against South Carolina starting on February 27th. They will begin ACC play with a three game series at home against Georgia Tech, starting on March 12th.
