No. 9 Clemson takes down Duke, ends slump
Clemson baseball held off a late rally by Duke to claim a 9-7 victory Friday night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, taking the opener of the three-game series and improving to 38-13 overall and 15-10 in ACC play. The Tigers used a six-run fourth inning to seize control and got clutch insurance runs late to stay in front.
Clemson erupted in the fourth after falling behind early, turning a 2-0 deficit into a 6-2 lead. Jack Crighton tied the game with a two-run single to left, and Andrew Ciufo followed with an RBI base hit after a walk loaded the bases. Cam Cannarella then ripped a double down the left field line, clearing the bases and giving the Tigers momentum they wouldn't relinquish.
Duke answered with two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh to pull within 6-5, but Clemson stayed composed. Jacob Jarrell opened the bottom of the eighth with a double, eventually scoring on a sacrifice fly from Crighton. With two outs, Josh Paino doubled and Ciufo added a crucial two-run homer to extend the lead to 9-5.
That cushion proved necessary, as the Blue Devils scored twice in the ninth and brought the go-ahead run to the plate. But reliever Lucas Mahlstedt forced a double play to shortstop to end the game and secure the Tigers' win.
Aidan Knaak overcame a rough start to earn the win, improving to 7-1. After giving up two runs in the first, he settled in to allow just one run over the next 4.1 innings. He finished with eight strikeouts and four walks in 5.1 innings pitched.
Clemson will look to clinch the series when the two teams meet again Saturday at 2 p.m.
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