CLEMSON, SC - What a game! Dabo was in the dugout for the first time ever during a game, and Bakich kidded with me after that they might need to make it a regular thing. The Tigers led throughout in front of a DKS record 6.891 fans despite the windy, chilly weather.
Purify hit the game's only homer, his first of the season, which gave the Tigers an insurance run in the 7th. It was the Tigers' 9th HR in the last 5 games after hitting none in their first 4 games. The sophomore is a native of Detroit and did not play in the series last season, so it was a special moment for him! He almost hit himself in the head with his bat flip after the homer. Lol He told me that sort of emotional display is unusual for him because he is very humble by nature, but he was lost in the moment. He also did a back flip after the final out!
Colin Priest had the biggest hit of the game, a 2-out, 2-run double in the 1st. Great start on the mound by Knaak, who struck out 9 in 4.2 innings and struck out the side in order in the 4th. McGovern did a good job in middle relief, and Mahlstedt, who gave up 2 runs in 2 innings to the Gamecocks last season in Columbia, was outstanding to close the last 3 innings. It was his 3rd save of the season already! The Tigers played a clean game defensively without committing an error. Gaffney made a sensational diving catch at 1st while keeping his toe on the bag after an errant throw by Mahlstedt.
The Tigers won both games last season (the 3rd was rained out), each by a 5-4 score, and will look to repeat tomorrow at 1:30 in Greenville with the series wrapping up in Cola at 5:00 on Sunday. Post-game interviews are below!
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