No. 9 Clemson used a four-run fourth inning to power past Xavier for the second straight day in a 8-3 victory Saturday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
The Tigers (2-0 overall) erased a 1-0 deficit in the fourth when freshman Nolan Nawrocki lined a double to left-center to score Cooper Blauser and tie the game. Cam Cannarella followed with a two-run single to left to give the Tigers their first lead at 3-1. That chased Xavier starter Nolan Hughes from the game after 84 pitches.
After a throwing error by Xavier shortstop Donovan Canterberry, Cannarella slid under the tag of catcher Matthew DePrey to extend the Tigers’ lead to 4-1.
Clemson added a pair of runs in both the fifth and sixth inning for insurance. In the fifth, Jacob Hinderleider lined a two-run double down the left field line to give the Tigers a 6-2 lead. A pair of solo home runs from Blake Wright and Andrew Cuifo followed in the sixth to extend the lead to 8-2.
Wright (2-for-5), Cuifo (2-for-3), Nawrocki (2-for-4) and Hinderleider (2-for-4) all had two hits apiece for Clemson. The Tigers outhit the Musketeers, 10-4.
Xavier’s offense consisted of three solo home runs — two from third baseman Luke Hammond and a pinch-hit homer by Aedan Anderson in the seventh inning.
Hughes (0-1) suffered the loss for Xavier. He was charged four runs (three earned) after allowing four hits and five walks in 3 1/3 innings.
Left-hander Tristan Smith (1-0) was given the win for Clemson despite throwing just four innings. Smith allowed only one run on one hit. He struck out five, walked two and threw 71 pitches, 43 for strikes.
Clemson got three innings in relief from senior right-hander Nick Clayton. Clayton allowed two runs but struck out five of 12 batters faced. Lucas Mahlstedt closed out the game with two scoreless innings.
The series finale is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST Sunday. Nick Boyle is scheduled to start for Xavier against Clemson freshman Aidan Knaak. The game will be streamed on ACC Network Extra.