Matthew Crownover allowed just one run in seven innings to earn the win for Clemson.
CLEMSON, S.C. -- Behind three runs in the first inning, two runs in the third inning, four runs in the seventh inning and another strong outing from Matthew Crownover, Clemson defeated No. 3 Louisville 9-1 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers, who took a 1-0 lead in the series, improved to 24-21 overall and 13-11 in the ACC. The Cardinals fell to 35-11 overall and 19-3 in ACC play. It was the first meeting as ACC foes and the first meeting since 1972.
Run-scoring singles by Reed Rohlman, Chase Pinder and Weston Wilson in the first inning gave Clemson a 3-0 lead, then Rohlman and Wilson, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, hit run-scoring singles in the third inning. Brendan McKay lined a two-out single in the sixth inning to score Sutton Whiting, but Clemson responded with four runs in the seventh inning, highlighted by Steven Duggar’s run-scoring double.
Crownover (8-1) earned the win by allowing just five hits, one run and three walks with four strikeouts in seven innings pitched. Louisville starter Kyle Funkhouser (6-3) suffered the loss, as he allowed seven hits, five runs and no walks with two strikeouts in six innings pitched.
"This was one of our better games," Clemson head coach Jack Leggett said. "Matthew [Crownover] continued to do his thing and was exceptionally good with men on base. He's a great competitor. Then, Alex Bostic came in and did a really nice job for us in relief.
"We played really good defense and were aggressive offensively. I'm really pleased with how we played today. We got hits with men on base, and that always gives you confidence. It was important to come out early and get some confidence. From start to finish, we played a good nine innings."
