Grayson Byrd homered and drove in three, Kyle Wilkie had four hits and drove in three, and Sharpe came out of the bullpen to earn the win as No. 3 seed Clemson defeated No. 2 seed Illinois 8-4 Friday afternoon in the first game of the NCAA Oxford Regional at Swayze Field.
The Tigers had 12 hits, drew eight walks and two batters hit against seven Illini pitchers in leaving 11 runners on base.
Clemson improves to 35-24 with the win and will play the winner of Friday’s night contest between No. 1 seed Ole Miss and No.