Clemson baseball’s spring break stop in the low country turned into a sharp, competitive night against The Citadel, with both teams treating it like more than just another midweek game.
Clemson (18-4) won the game 9-3 against the scrappy Bulldogs (8-11).
The Tigers grabbed control in the fourth inning. Jacob Jarrell opened the frame with a 404-foot drive to center that struck the pitch clock and bounced back onto the field. It was ruled a double at first, but after a quick conference, the umpires corrected it to a home run. The distance told the story.
That swing set the tone for a three-run inning. Tyler Lichtenberger followed by driving in his first two-out runs of the night, pushing Clemson in front 3-0.
The Citadel answered with two runs in the bottom half, but Clemson stayed on the front foot. The Tigers added four more in the fifth to create separation and never let the game drift back into reach.
Lichtenberger delivered again in the sixth. With two outs, he lined a ball to right field that brought home two more runs. It gave him five two-out RBIs on the night and stretched the lead to 9-2. He was a steady presence in every key spot.
Jarren Purify continued his solid play at the plate adding 2 hits in 5 at bats with an RBI. Bryce Clavon returned to the lineup and added 2 hits as did Jacob Jarrell.
The Tigers tallied 11 hits on the night, once again having consistent competitive at bats and putting hard contact on the baseball.
On the mound, Dane Moehler made the start and worked one inning on a controlled pitch count as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery, needing just 19 pitches.
Eston Simpson followed with two innings, striking out four while allowing two earned runs and keeping Clemson in a strong position early. Simpson also earned the victory in relief, his 4th on the season. Ariston Veasey, Brendon Bennett, Nathan Dvorsky and all had serviceable outings. Joe Allen came in for the 9th to close out the Clemson victory.
The Clemson pitching staff allowed just 6 hits all night to the Dogs.
The Tigers will travel to South Bend, Indiana to face Notre Dame for their second ACC series of the year this weekend.
