Clemson won its fifth straight game to open the season thanks to Friday’s 2-0 win over Stony Brook.
All eyes were on lefty Sam Weatherly, who put together an impressive six innings of work. With his second start of the season, the lefty had 14 strikeouts, while facing 21 batters in his six innings of work.
Weatherly allowed just three base runners the entire afternoon. He gave up two hits and one walk. Friday’s game marked the first meeting between the two programs.
“He certainly made some improvements from last start to this start,” head coach Monte Lee said. “We talked about getting to strike one, getting ahead of hitters, and out of the 21 batters that he faced, he got to strike one on 15 of them, which is outstanding.”
Stony Brook had just five hits against Clemson pitching. Carson Spiers came in, in the top of the ninth inning, with two on and one out to earn the save. He fanned the last two batters. Clemson pitching had 19 strikeouts to just three walks.
The Tigers (5-0) took the lead early with two clutch runs in the first two innings.
Clemson grabbed a 1-0 lead thanks to a double play ball with the bases loaded, as Adam Hackenberg brought in Mac Starbuck in the bottom of the first inning.
The Tigers added the game’s final run in the second inning when Sam Hall tripled to the gap in centerfield with two outs, which allowed Dylan Brewer to score from second base after he reached on a two-out single and stole second.
“Offensively, we did some good things,” Lee said. “We had six leadoff guys reach base. We just have to be able to do the little things situationally on offense to be able to score that third or fourth run. Our pitching staff right now has just been absolutely outstanding, so our guys are going to give us a chance in every game based on our pitching and we just have to find a way score that extra run or two to give those guys a little more insurance, but overall great win on a Friday night.”
Clemson is set to return to Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Saturday for Game 2 of the series versus Stony Brook. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Clemson baseball is back. Get your official Clemson gear right here!
