Team of the week, March 2-8: Clemson

Clemson (went 5-0 for the week)
(beat Michigan State; went 4-0 vs. La Salle)

Clemson coach Erik Bakich opted to sit out staff ace Aidan Knaak for the weekend series with La Salle in an effort to keep him fresher during the long season.

The Tigers finished the week showing they're not built around a single person.

Clemson had four run-rule wins among its five victories to improve top 15-1. Throw in two wins against South Carolina the previous week and the Tigers have a seven-game winning streak.

Clemson hit .393 last week, scoring 62 runs. The Tigers smacked 17 doubles and 9 home runs.

Obviously, there were lots of offensive stalwarts, but one of the most effective was Jarren Purify. He was 10-for19 with 2 doubles, 2 homers, 5 walks, 5 stolen bases, 12 runs scored and 7 RBI.  What more could you want from someone in the leadoff position?

Meanwhile, a 2.92 staff ERA for the week actually raised the season mark from 1.80. to 1.91. 

All teams should have such a subpar week.

 

Pitchers also notched 53 strikeouts in 37 innings.

Up next: against Georgia Southern at SRP Park in North Augusta, 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, followed by the opening ACC series at home against Georgia Tech beginning Thursday.

Also considered

College of Charleston (3-1) - won opening conference series

Columbia International (3-0) - five-game winning streak
Florence-Darlington Tech (4-0) - winning streak at nine

Francis Marion (4-0) - scored 65 runs in four games

North Greenville (3-0) 

South Carolina (5-0) 

Spartanburg Methodist (3-2) - series win at Pikeville 

USC Sumter (4-1)

Previous winners
Jan. 23-Feb. 1: North Greenville
Feb. 2-8: Anderson
Feb. 9-15: Francis Marion 

Feb. 16-22: Charleston Southern
Feb. 23-March 1: Benedict