CLEMSON, SC — TCI takes a look back at Clemson’s (0-1) 4-3 setback to Maine (1-0) in the season opener for both teams on Friday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

What happened?

The Tigers opened the scoring with a two-run first inning. Eli White reached on a one-out error and Reed Rohlman doubled down the first base line to plate White. After a groundout moved Rohlman up a base, he came in to score on a balk to give Clemson a 2-0 lead. The Black Bears tied the games with a two-run inning of the own in the third before taking a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning. In the bottom of that frame, the Tigers answered Chris Okey led off the inning with a hit by pitch and moved to second on an fielding error. After advancing on a deep fly ball, Weston Wilson plated Okey with a RBI infield single to tie the game. Maine would score the winning run in the top of the seventh inning as they hit a one-out double and then a two-out fly ball was lost in the sky allowing the run to score.

Game-Changing Moment:

The game changed in the seventh inning. With the game tied 3-3, Maine had a runner on second with two outs before reliever Alex Eubanks got a fly ball to right-centerfield. However, Chase Pinder never saw the ball off the bat in the evening sky and the ball fell in for an RBI triple allowing the eventual winning run to score.

What went right?

Both Tiger pitchers pitched well as starter Charlie Barnes earned a no-decision following 5.1 innings of six-hit ball while allowing three runs (two earned) on one walk and seven strikeouts. Eubanks took a tough luck loss as he allowed a single run on three hits with seven strikeouts in 3.2 innings. Wilson led the Tigers at the plate, collecting two of the teams four hits, and made several outstanding plays at second base that saved a couple runs. 

What went wrong?

The Tigers were unable to build on an early lead as they collected only four hits in the contest. Clemson also struggled with runners on base as they stranded 10 in the game, including seven in scoring position. Defensively, the Tigers committed two errors leading to an unearned run while misplaying a few balls in the outfield as well.

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.