April 24, 2001

Box Score

Clemson, S.C. - Jeff Baker and Jarrod Schmidt each had a home run as 12th-ranked Clemson defeated Western Carolina 8-2 Tuesday night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Clemson improved to 29-15 overall while Western Carolina dropped to 21-22 on the season.

Baker, who missed the last two games after being hit on the wrist by a foul ball, hit a two-run blast to center field in the fifth inning to push his team-leading home run total to 14. Schmidt reclaimed a tie for the top spot when he hit a solo shot in the seventh inning for his 14th of the season.

The Tigers jumped out to an early lead after Baker's infield single scored Casey Stone in the first inning. Baker later scored on Western Carolina catcher Matt Price's throwing error, one of five Catamount miscues on the night.

Western Carolina responded with an RBI groundout by Todd Buchanan, scoring Rod Goldston, in the third inning and tied the score at two when designated hitter Brian Sigmon scored on a Michael Roane's groundout in the fourth inning.

Clemson scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 4-2 lead. Khalil Greene crossed home plate after a balk by Western Carolina starter Robbie Hoover and Steve Pyzik's double scored Schmidt. The Tigers then put up runs in each of the next three innings to pull away and seal the win.

Baker led the offense with three RBIs and a 2-5 performance from the plate. Four other Tigers posted two hits, including Schmidt, Stone, Kyle Frank and Ryan Riley. Kevin Lynn (2-1) earned the win for the Tigers and struck out six batters over six innings. Clemson received scoreless relief appearances from Ryan Childs, B.J. LaMura and Steven Jackson.

Hoover (2-4) got the loss for Western Carolina despite a career-high six strikeouts. He pitched a season-high 4.1 innings, allowing six runs (only two being earned) and just one walk. Donovan Minero paced the Catamount offensive attack, hitting a single and a double in four at-bats.

Western Carolina will return to action with a home weekend series versus North Carolina A&T. The teams will play a doubleheader in Saturday, starting at noon, followed by a single game on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., at Hennon Stadium.