ATHENS, Ga. — The 18th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs fell to the Clemson Tigers 8-4 Tuesday at Foley Field.
It marked the first time since 2017 that the Tigers swept the two-game series after posting a 4-3 win in Clemson earlier this month.
“We needed a shutdown inning after we tied it up in the fifth, and they came right back with two runs to take the lead and the momentum back,” said Georgia's Ike Cousins head baseball coach Scott Stricklin. “We're down 4-0, and we come back and get four runs to tie it up. Then, they get a walk, a wild pitch and a two-out double and they're back in front. Bottom line, we have to play better."
Georgia's (26-11) four runs came on six hits, led by a 2-for-5, three-RBI performance by Ben Anderson, a 2-for-3 performance by Chaney Rogers, while two Bulldogs notched one hit apiece. Down 4-0, Anderson cleared the bases with his team-leading fourth triple. He would score on a fielder's choice. Clemson hit three home runs on the night.
On the mound, Georgia's Garrett Brown went 2.1 innings, giving up one run on two hits, with four strikeouts. In relief, Collin Caldwell went one inning giving up three runs on two hits, Chandler Marsh went 1.2 scoreless innings with a career-high four strikeouts, Will Pearson (2-2) picked up the loss in one inning of work, giving up two runs on two hits, fanning two Tigers, Max DeJong went one inning giving up one run on one hit with a strikeout, while Jake Poindexter went one inning giving up one run on one hit with a strikeout. Senior closer Jack Gowen finished the game for Georgia with a perfect frame including two strikeouts.
Clemson (23-13) right-handed pitcher, Billy Barlow (1-2) went four innings, giving up four runs on five hits with three strikeouts for a no-decision. In relief, Jackson Lindley (5-0) earned the win, with two scoreless innings with a pair of strikeouts. Jay Dill went two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Ryan Ammons closed out the game for Tiger with one strikeout.
The Tigers struck first in the top of the third, plating one run on a solo shot to right-field by Jonathan French to take a 1-0 lead. In the fourth inning, with runners on first and second, Caden Grice hit a three-run home run to left-center field to give Clemson a four-run edge. Georgia responded in the fourth, tying the game up at four runs apiece. A pair of singles and a walk loaded the bases for Anderson.
Clemson answered in the sixth, adding a pair of runs on an RBI double by Bryar Hawkins and an RBI single by Benjamin Blackwell to take a 6-4 lead. The Tigers extended their lead with another solo shot to right field in the seventh.
Georgia will return to SEC play on the road, with a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Friday, April 22 through Sunday, April 24. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. on Friday (SECN+).
