CLEMSON -- No. 3 Clemson overcame an early 4-0 deficit to defeat No. 7 Florida State 15-5 in seven innings in the first game of a doubleheader at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
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The Tigers, who took a 1-0 lead in the series, improved to 20-2 overall and 3-1 in the ACC, while the Seminoles dropped to 19-1 overall and 3-1 in ACC play. The game ended due to the 10-run rule
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Jaime Ferrer belted a grand slam in the top of the first inning, then Will Taylor grounded a two-out, run-scoring single in the bottom of the first inning.
In the second inning, Cam Cannarella hit a three-run homer, his fourth of the year, to tie the score 4-4.
The Tigers took the lead in the third inning on Andrew Ciufo’s fielder’s choice, then Cannarella lined a two-out, run-scoring single later in the frame.
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Alex Lodise cut Clemson’s lead in half in the top of the fifth inning on a leadoff home run, then Jacob Hinderleider belted a two-run homer, his fifth of the season, in the bottom of the fifth inning. Later in the inning with two outs, Blake Wright lined a three-run homer, his 11th of the season and seventh in the last eight games, to give Clemson an 11-5 lead.
In the seventh inning, Alden Mathes ripped a two-run double and Nolan Nawrocki added a two-out, run-scoring single.
Starter Ethan Darden (4-0) earned the win, as he allowed seven hits, five runs (four earned) and one walk with four strikeouts in a career-long 6.1 innings pitched. Lucas Mahlstedt (0.2 IP) was the only other Tiger pitcher to take the mound.
Florida State starter Cam Leiter (4-1) suffered the loss, as he surrendered six hits, six runs and five walks with three strikeouts in 2.2 innings pitched.
The series continues today with the second game of the doubleheader at approximately 4:45 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
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