Jimmy Obertop hit a 3-run homer in the fifth inning and the Tigers added on from there. (file photo).

by CU Athletic Communications - Sat Mar 16 18:15:39 GMT-04:00 2024

DURHAM, N.C. – Tristan Smith totaled a career-high 10 strikeouts and home runs by Jimmy Obertop and Tristan Bissetta propelled No. 8 Clemson to an 8-7 victory over No. 3 Duke at Jack Coombs Field on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers, who evened the series 1-1, improved to 16-2 overall and 1-1 in the ACC. The Blue Devils fell to 15-4 overall and 3-2 in ACC play.

Blake Wright’s RBI fielder’s choice in the top of the first inning scored the game’s first run, then AJ Gracia ripped a two-out, run-scoring single in the bottom of the first inning. A two-out error allowed a Duke run to score in the second inning, then Obertop crushed a three-run homer, his third of the year, in the fifth inning to put Clemson ahead 4-2.

Clemson extended its lead in the top of the seventh inning when Bissetta laced a grand slam, his third long ball of the year and the Tigers’ fourth grand slam of 2024. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Duke plated five runs to narrow Clemson’s lead to 8-7.

Smith (2-0) earned the win by allowing just four hits, two runs (one earned) and two walks with 10 strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched. Rob Hughes pitched the ninth inning to record his second save of the year. Gabriel Nard (0-1) suffered the loss in relief.

The series concludes Sunday at 1 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.

NOT COMING BACK!@jobertop_4 crushes a three-run homer to put #Clemson ahead!

🚀 389 ft
💨 103 mph

T5 || CU 4, DUK 2

🖥 https://t.co/ihM04Gdgj2 pic.twitter.com/vmNB5P1pzx
— Clemson Baseball (@ClemsonBaseball) March 16, 2024

Had it all the way.@aldenmathes #SCTop10

E5 || CU 4, DUK 2

🖥 https://t.co/ihM04Gdgj2 pic.twitter.com/6ODrGnsRT2
— Clemson Baseball (@ClemsonBaseball) March 16, 2024

Make that a career-high 🔟 strikeouts for @TristanS2022. 🔥

B6 || CU 4, DUK 2

🖥 https://t.co/ihM04Gdgj2 pic.twitter.com/IDxDq7jryy
— Clemson Baseball (@ClemsonBaseball) March 16, 2024

🚨 GRAND SLAM ALERT 🚨@TristanBissetta drills #Clemson's 4th grand slam of the season to build on its lead! 💣

🚀 398 ft
💨 110 mph

T7 || CU 8, DUK 2

🖥 https://t.co/ihM04Gdgj2 pic.twitter.com/bIws6niPAI
— Clemson Baseball (@ClemsonBaseball) March 16, 2024