CLEMSON, S.C. — The University of Notre Dame baseball team struggled in the middle innings Friday night as they dropped the series opener 13-7 to Clemson at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
After Notre Dame (2-2, 2-2 ACC) tied the game in the top half of the fifth, Clemson (5-2, 1-0 ACC) plated seven runs in the bottom half to regain the lead. The Irish battled in the final innings but the lead was too large to overcome.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Clemson jumped out in front first via the long ball in the bottom of the third. Bryce Teodosio launched a two-run homer to center field. Grice scored on the play and the Tigers held a 2-0 lead after the first three frames.
The Irish got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning after Zack Prajzner led the inning off with a double down the left field line. Spencer Myers singled and Carter Putz walked to load the bases. Jared Miller brought Prajzner home after a bases loaded walk to cut into the Tiger lead. On the very next pitch, Niko Kavadas flew out to left but it was deep enough for Myers to score and tie the game at 2-2.
The Tigers wasted no time getting back in front, regaining the lead in the next half inning. Elijah Henderson reached second following a hit by pitch and wild pitch. In their next batter, Dylan Brewer singled up the middle to score Henderson from second. The Tigers weren’t done as they added six more runs in the inning with long balls from Max Wagner and Caden Grice. After five innings, the Irish trailed 9-2.
Notre Dame had some fight left in the very next half inning to chip away at the Clemson lead. After adding a run off a groundout from Myers, Miller went the other way for a three-run blast to pull the Irish within three. It was Miller’s first home run of the season and the second of his career.
Clemson added four insurance runs in the seventh to put the game out of reach.
UP NEXT
Notre Dame and Clemson will continue the three-game series Saturday afternoon. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. ET on ACC Network Extra. LHP John Michael Bertrand will be on the hill as he looks to even the series for the Irish.
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