It was not perfect, but it was pretty close.

Clate Schmidt pitched seven scoreless innings and gave up just three hits in leading Clemson to an impressive 10-1 victory over James Madison on Saturday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson.

“It all starts with Clate Schmidt. He threw the ball exceptionally well. Gave us seven innings. Gave up nothing,” head coach Monte Lee said afterwards. “The thing that has impressed me the most and the thing that’s the most encouraging to me is Clate’s second start was better than his first.”

The righty, who had a seven-pitch first inning in his first outing last week and had a six-pitch first inning on Saturday, has thrown a total of 159 pitches in 12 innings of work. He threw just 82 pitches in seven innings of work against James Madison.

“Just being able to attack the zone early, trying to get guys to get themselves out, and trusting my defense. I mean, these guys have been playing incredible behind me,” said Schmidt, who had four strikeouts while improving to 2-0 on the young season. “It just makes it very comfortable to me when I pitch. All I have to do is throw it in the zone and let the guys get themselves out.”

Looking ahead to next weekend’s game against archrival South Carolina, Schmidt will get the chance to play against his younger brother’s team when the Tigers and Gamecocks battle at Fluor Field in Greenville next Saturday. Clarke Schmidt is expected to be Carolina’s Friday night starter in Game 1 in Columbia.

“He will be on Friday and I will be on Saturday, but I can have my emotional day on Friday and then on Saturday be back to work,” Clate Schmidt said.

The Tigers (4-1) will face James Madison in the third and final game of the series on Sunday at 1 p.m. Clemson is looking to go for the sweep after outscoring James Madison 16-2 in the first two games.

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.