No. 6 Duke's Ninth Inning Rally Comes Up Short on Saturday

Saturday, March 16

Durham, N.C.

3 p.m.

Duke University

15-4, 3-2

Clemson

16-2, 1-1

Clemson

Duke

No. 6 Duke's Ninth Inning Rally Comes Up Short on Saturday

3/16/2024 7:19:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Postgame Notes (PDF)Photo Gallery

DURHAM – No. 6 Duke (15-4, 3-2 ACC) had the winning runs on base in the bottom of the ninth, but was unable to scratch the run across, falling to No. 10 Clemson (16-2, 1-1 ACC), 8-7, on Saturday at Jack Coombs Field.

After Clemson extended their lead to 8-2 in the top of the seventh inning, the Blue Devils cut the lead to one with a five run seventh inning. In the top of the ninth, Duke put runners on first and second after Alex Stone singled and Logan Bravo was hit by a pitch. The Blue Devils were unable to push the tying or winning runner across, falling for the second time in ACC play on Saturday.

Sophomore righty Gabriel Nard was pegged with the loss, after working 3.1 innings and allowing two runs to score.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Clemson opened the scoring in the top of the first, 1-0.
AJ Gracia singled to right field to score Zac Morris from second in the bottom of the first, 1-1.
Ben Miller reached on a throwing error by the third baseman in the bottom of the second, 2-1.
The Tigers took the lead with a three-run home run in the top of the fifth, 4-2.
Clemson added to their lead in the top of the seventh, 8-2.
Ben Miller drew a bases loaded walk to score Andrew Yu from third. Wallace Clark scored on a wild pitch, before Alex Stone singled through the right side to score a pair. Gracia singled up the middle to score Stone from second in the bottom of the seventh, 8-7.

NOTES

Graduate Zac Morris extended his hitting streak to 14 games, the longest on the team this season, tallying a 4-for-5 day with two runs scored.
Senior Alex Stone finished the day 2-for-5 with two RBI and scored a run for the Blue Devils on Saturday.
Junior Wallace Clark posted a 2-for-3 day with two runs scored and a walk.
Sophomore Gabe Nard was pegged with the loss, working 3.1 innings in relief of Andrew Healy, who exited today's game after one inning of work. He allowed three hits, two runs and struck out three batters.
Junior Jimmy Romano worked 1.1 clean innings against the Tigers, striking out three batters.
Sophomore James Tallon produced two clean innings on the mound, allowing no hits and striking out one.

QUOTES

"It was a really good baseball game. I loved our response in the bottom of the seventh. We gave them too many free opportunities on the bases and they took advantage of it. I thought that Gabriel Nard did a great job coming in behind the short start. Jimmy Romano pitched terrific for us and James Tallon was really good at the end for us again, which was a great sight to see. We had the winning run at first base there with AJ Gracia at the plate. It has been a really even series to this point and have two really good teams that are going blow for blow against each other this weekend." – Head coach Chris Pollard on his overall thoughts on the ballgame today.

UP NEXT

Duke and Clemson conclude the three-game set on Sunday afternoon from Jack Coombs Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For more information on Duke Baseball, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "DukeBASE".

Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu

#GoDuke