Clemson, S.C. – Jack Crighton struck his first career home run Thursday night. The hit came with two outs in the seventh inning. His three-run shot gave No. 2 Clemson the lead. The Tigers went on to win 7-6 over No. 17 Louisville. No. 2 Clemson defeats No. 17 Louisville in the series opener.
The Cardinals scored early. Three unearned runs crossed the plate in the first inning. Costly errors by Clemson players aided Louisville's scoring.
Clemson answered quickly. Collin Priest hit his eighth home run of the season. His three-run blast in the bottom of the first tied the game.
Louisville retook the lead. They added two runs in the second inning. Clemson chipped away at the deficit. A run scored on a wild pitch in the fourth inning. This cut Louisville's lead in half.
The score stayed 5-4 Louisville until the seventh. Jarren Purify reached base on an error. Jacob Jarrell drew a walk. This set the stage for Crighton. Jack Crighton hit his first career homer on a 1-0 pitch. The ball sailed over the center field fence. Clemson took a 7-5 lead.
Louisville responded in the eighth. They scored one unearned run. The lead narrowed to 7-6.
Clemson pitchers finished the game strong. Jacob McGovern earned the win. He pitched a perfect seventh inning. Lucas Mahlstedt secured the save. Mahlstedt recorded his 13th save of the year. This leads the nation. Wyatt Danilowicz took the loss for Louisville.
The Tigers record stands at 34-6 overall. They are 12-4 in the ACC. Louisville's record dropped to 27-10 overall and 9-7 in conference play. Louisville came into the series looking to make a statement on the road against the ranked Tigers. Clemson now holds an 8-0 record in games decided by one run.
The series continues Friday. Game time is set for 5 p.m. at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
