CLEMSON, SC – The Clemson Tigers defeated the Hartford Hawks 6-1 on Friday, February 25th as they move to 5-0 on the season.
After throwing five innings of shutout ball in his last start, Mack Anglin threw another five shutout innings against the Hawks, earning his second win of the season. Anglin was phenomenal, at one point setting down nine consecutive batters. He finished the game with six strikeouts, allowing just four baserunners all game.
Anglin now has 14 strikeouts against 10 shutout innings to start the season, and he continues to cement himself as Clemson’s number one starter.
On the offensive side, sophomore Caden Grice continued his scorching hot start to the season as he connected on a two-run home run to deep right field in the third inning to add to Clemson’s 1-0 lead. He also drew his seventh walk of the season, the second-most walks for the Tigers through five games.
Coming into this one, Grice was hitting an eye-popping .500 with two home runs and eight RBI. While the average dropped to .471 after a one for three showing, he now finds himself with a team-leading 10 RBI.
Clemson Getting in Groove on Both Sides
After finding himself 2-15 with eight strikeouts to begin the season, junior Bryar Hawkins was looking for the hit to get him out of this early-season slump.
Hawkins found himself just that as he connected on a solo shot to right field in the fourth inning, extending Clemson’s lead to four. The home run was his first of the season. He also contributed a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Hawkins, the team’s starting third baseman, is a huge part of this lineup and him waking up should only be a sign of good things to come for this Clemson offense.
Coming into the game with a 0.78 ERA, Clemson’s relievers continued their recent run of dominance. They held Hartford to just one run over the final four innings of the game.
Casey Tallent, Jay Dill, and Ricky Williams combined for seven strikeouts over those four innings.
Hartford Unable to Get Much Going
After opening up the first two innings of the game scoreless, starting pitcher Tim Blaisdell allowed three runs in the third inning after leaving a pitch over the middle for Clemson first baseman Grice to take deep for a two-run shot to right.
He would allow another run in the fourth and the fifth before leaving the game after 4.2 innings pitched, taking the loss. Blaisdell allowed seven hits, five total runs, and three walks. He did keep Clemson hitters on their toes, striking out three in the game.
While quiet on the offensive side, the Hawks were able to score their first run of the season in the eighth inning.
The Hawks strung together three two-out singles as Daniel Burnett was able to drive in senior Donnie Cohoon.
Hartford will look to bounce back and take the series against Clemson in the doubleheader on Saturday, as they are still searching for their first win of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Clemson Tigers (5-0) will continue their weekend series with the Hartford Hawks (0-1) on Saturday, February 26th in a doubleheader. The first game starts at 1:00 pm EST while the second game of the afternoon is currently set for 5:00 pm.
