DURHAM, NC – Heading into Thursday’s contest against top-seeded Louisville, Clemson needed a win to enhance its NCAA Tournament resume, a big performance on the mound, and clutch hits with runners in scoring position.
Check, check, and check, with the big performance on the mound coming from lefty Mat Clark, who pitched eight strong innings as Clemson defeated No. 7 Louisville 7-1 Thursday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in the finale of pool play for Group A. Neither team will advance to Saturday’s semifinals – that honor belongs to Boston College.
Clark didn’t allow a Cardinal baserunner until a one-out walk in the eighth and didn’t allow a run until a solo homer to lead off the ninth.