Dependable defense had been a staple for Clemson during its recent success, but a pair of errors Saturday led to four unearned runs in the third inning for Alabama in a 5-4 Crimson Tide victory, putting the Tigers' backs to the wall.
Clemson starter Casey Harman was outstanding over 8 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run and striking out nine. Sure, he allowed 10 hits, but he tempered that by not walking any.
'Bama starter Jimmy Nelson was able to wriggle out of several situations without giving up the tying run.
Clemson's Jeff Schaus and Kyle Parker appeared upset about third-strike calls in the ninth, Schaus enough so to get ejected for arguing too much. While both pitches looked like the could have been outside, based on the TV camera angle, they were too close to be taking in that situation. There were 16 strikeouts total in the game, so it's not like pitchers were getting squeezed all night.
By all indications, the ejection carries no suspension, so Schaus should be in the lineup again today.
Clemson is by no means out of it. Alabama's offense seems better suited for chipping away at opponents that hammering them. Clemson looks to have more big-inning potential.
Clemson's Sunday starter, Scott Weismann, came up big in the Auburn Regional, and Tigers coach Jack Leggett has virtually his entire bullpen available if needed after Weismann to do what it takes to force a game 3.
Bama counters with Adam Morgan, a lefty with unimpressive numbers (5.54 ERA, 106 hits, 30 walks, 14 homers in 88 innings) other than the fact he has pitched two complete game victories in the postseason (Florida in the SEC Tournament, Georgia Tech in the Atlanta regional).
The Tiger have a tough row to hoe, but they're in the middle of things.
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