CLEMSON, SC - Well, the Palmetto Series opened ominously for the Tigers on Friday night with a miserable all-around performance. After an hour and 45-minute rain delay on a cold night in Columbia, the Tigers made mistake after mistake and couldn't find their offense, losing 7-0. It was their first shutout loss in almost 2 years.
However, they were able to flush that game and bounce back on Saturday afternoon in Columbia, thanks to Tennessee transfer pitcher Michael Sharman. He was absolutely spectacular, throwing a complete game and allowing just one run. His one run came in the 3rd, and the Tigers immediately responded in the bottom half of the inning with a 3-run bomb to left by transfer Nate Savoie, who also caught a fantastic game behind the plate. It was Savoie's team-leading 4th HR of the season. Purify added a sac fly the next inning to make it 4-1 for good.
The Tigers carried that momentum into Sunday, beating the Gamecocks 7-2 in front of a huge crowd at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on a warm, beautiful afternoon. Thanks, to Sharman's complete game on Saturday, the Tigers had plenty of fresh arms in their pen, and it paid off. Starter Talan Bell went just 4 innings, allowing 2 runs, but Joe Allen, Danny Nelson and Drew Titsworth were outstanding in relief, with Titsworth getting the win. Right fielder Ty Dalley had 2 walks and the only homer of the game, a 2-run shot.
The Tigers have won 9 of the last 12 Palmetto Series and improve to 10-1 on the season.
Post-game interviews are below!
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