Tigers continue losing streak; drop finale to Blue Devils

The No. 16 Clemson Tigers extended their six-game losing streak to seven games, as the Duke Blue Devils completed a sweep of the Tigers with a 9-8 victory in the series-finale Sunday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

The No. 16 Clemson Tigers extended their six-game losing streak to seven games, as the Duke Blue Devils completed a sweep of the Tigers with a 9-8 victory in the series-finale Sunday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

The loss dropped the Tigers to 25-15 overall and 11-10 in the ACC, while the victory for the Blue Devils improved their record to 24-16 overall and 11-10 in ACC play.

With the score tied 8-8 in the top of the ninth inning, a home run by first baseman Matt Mervis gave the Blue Devils a 9-8 lead

The Blue Devils opened the scoring in the top of the first inning, as a solo home run by Kennie Taylor gave the Blue Devils a brief 1-0 lead.

The Tigers answered with a single run of their own in the bottom half of the first inning on a Kyle Wilkie single that plated Logan Davidson from second base and tied the game.

The Blue Devils took the lead again in the top of the second inning when they scored three runs on three hits, including a two-run home run by Joey Loperfido.

The Tigers answered with a single run in the bottom of the second, as Sam Hall singled through the right side and scored Davis Sharpe.

The Blue Devils extended their lead in the third and fifth innings, as the scored single run in the top of the third inning before having their second three-run inning of the game in the top of the fifth inning that gave the Blue Devils an 8-2 lead.

The Tigers tied the game in the bottom of the fifth inning, as they plated six runs with two outs. 

Grayson Byrd opened the scoring for the Tigers when he homered to right field. After a single by Kyle Wilkie and two consecutive walks to Bryar Hawkins and Bo Majkowski, the Tigers' second run of the inning was scored when Sharpe was hit by a pitch. The Next batter, Justin Hawkins tied the game up with one swing of the bat, as he connected on only his second hit of the season--a grand-slam that tied the game 8-8.

Carson Spiers took the loss for the Tigers. Hunter Davis earned the win for the Blue Devils.

Tiger Tracks:

Losing streak over: The Tigers entered Sunday's game riding a six-game losing streak--their longest since 2013.

The Tigers have now lost six straight conference games dating back to the Florida State series.

Up Next: The Tigers remain at home for two midweek games this week on Tuesday against Winthrop and Wednesday against Tennessee Tech. Both games are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and will be televised on the ACC Network Extra.