:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45803086/IMG_2976-L.0.0.jpg)
Clemson was first on the board again in the final game of this series, taking a 1-0 lead in the second inning thanks to an RBI single from Eli White.
The Tigers tacked on a second run in the next inning, this time courtesy of an RBI sac fly from Chris Okey.
South Carolina had very few players even get on base, but in the sixth inning, they had a good chance to bring in a run or two after Gene Cone took a leadoff walk and Elliott Caldwell followed with a single. Unfortunately, Max Schrock - who is having a brutal start to the season - hit into a double play, then Kyle Martin struck out. Not exactly ideal given that those two are supposed to be providing offensive strength.
Things got worse when Clemson broke things open in the seventh inning. Reed Rohlman and Tyler Krieger knocked back-to-back one-out singles, then Steven Duggar made it 3-0 with an RBI double. Okey followed with an RBI groundout, and a wild pitch brought home another run to make it 5-0.
The Tigers added their final two runs in the ninth inning, courtesy of an RBI double by Rohlman and a wild pitch.
Pitching showed up a bit more than the offense and defense today, though that may not be saying much. Josh Reagan started on the mound for the Gamecocks, and while he wasn't exactly bad, he wasn't all that impressive, either. Given that he's had some difficulty in all three of his starts, it might be time to give someone else a shot at starting on Sundays. That person might be Clarke Schmidt, who was probably the best pitcher South Carolina had today. He did a nice job of getting the Gamecocks out of a jam in the sixth inning, which was the second time he worked out of tight spot during this series.
Vince Fiori, Brandon Murray, and John Parke also pitched for South Carolina in this game. For further proof that the Gamecocks' pitching staff struggled in this game, they were also charged with two hit-by-pitches and two wild pitches.
Clemson's Brody Koerner pitched a complete game (because of course).
Schrock's early-season struggles continued in this game, both at the plate and in the field. He was charged with an error when he couldn't corral a ball in the seventh, and his batting average is very sad. Schrock wasn't alone in the error column, either, as South Carolina made a total of four in the game.
The Gamecocks drop to 7-3, while Clemson improves to 7-3. South Carolina will be back in action on Tuesday night when they host Charleston Southern. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.