Clemson baseball undone by Florida's 7-run inning, faces super regional elimination game next
CLEMSON — Clemson baseball is one game away from elimination in the NCAA tournament.
The No. 1 seed Tigers (44-15) fell 10-7 to Florida (33-28) Saturday in Game 1 of the Clemson Super Regional at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The Gators' Jac Caglianone belted a go-ahead three-run home run to left field in the fifth inning that highlighted a seven-run inning that propelled Florida to victory.
Clemson battled back, scoring one run in the fifth and two in the sixth, but Florida's lead was too large to overcome. Alden Mathes went 3-for-5, and Jimmy Obertop and Tristan Bissetta both hit home runs.
The Tigers face the Gators again Sunday (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). If Clemson wins, it would force an additional game Monday.
Clemson baseball's disastrous fifth inning vs Florida in NCAA super regional
The Tigers were in command in Game 1 through the first four innings. They led 4-2, limiting Florida's explosive offense to only three hits behind Tristan Smith's start. Yet, their pitching collapsed in the fifth to allow seven runs.
Caglianone's three-run home run shifted momentum into Florida's favor. Eleven Gator batters made plate appearances in the inning with six recording an RBI. The Tigers used Smith, Lucas Mahlstedt and Reed Garris, and they gave up a combined four hits and three walks.
Clemson's Jacob McGovern shines out of bullpen vs Florida
Despite only appearing for one-third of an inning against Coastal Carolina last week, the freshman has been a reliable reliever. He showed why Saturday, entering the sixth inning to hold Florida's offense scoreless for three innings.
McGovern struck out two batters and gave up two hits and two walks from the sixth through the eighth. He faced trouble in the ninth after giving up a solo home run. He kept Clemson around, but its offense could not plate runs.
Clemson's offensive struggles return against Florida
After going 10-for-27 with runners on in the Clemson Regional finals last weekend, the Tigers' problem returned Saturday. They left seven runners on and went 2-for-13.
Clemson had opportunities to expand its lead early in the game but failed to do so. A key moment was in the first inning, where it had two bases-loaded chances but only capitalized with a walk.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson baseball loses to Florida in NCAA super regional Game 1
