Clemson got a clutch hit to help spur a four-run fifth inning and a solid performance from its starting pitcher to edge UNCG 5-4 on Friday night in the first game of the No. 19 Tigers’ home NCAA regional.
Top-seeded Clemson (40-19) advanced to the winner’s bracket to face second-seeded Vanderbilt (34-22), which trounced St. John’s 13-4 in earlier in the day, on Saturday at 7 p.m.
After UNCG (35-23) intentionally walked Clemson star hitter Seth Beer for the second time in the game,right fielder Weston Jackson ended the team’s 0-for-6 start with runners in scoring position with a two-out, two-run single in the fifth.