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Feb. 26, 1998
CLEMSON, SC -- Clemson defeated UNC Charlotte 11-7 Thursday afternoon at Tiger Field. Five different Tigers had at least two hits, as Clemson upped its record to 9-1. UNC Charlotte fell to 6-4.
Starter Matt White (1-1) earned his first victory of the season by pitching 6.1 innings, allowing only four hits and five earned runs. At one point, the junior from Windsor, MA retired 11 straight 49ers. Paul Poplin (2-1) suffered his first loss of the season.
The 49ers scored three runs in the top of the first on a James Matan triple and a sacrifice fly by Jamie Haywood.
Clemson responded with a run in the bottom of the first on a Kurt Bultmann homer, his third of the season. The Tigers added two more runs in the second and two runs in the third, highlighted by RBI singles in the third by Peter Nystrom and Ellis. Ellis, who's previous high for hits in a game was two, went 4-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored. The Columbia, SC native also hit his first career home run, a towering shot to right field.
The Tigers took control in the fifth with five runs. After Ellis' leadoff homer, Doug Roper walked and Brian Holstad singled. Patrick Boyd then brought Roper home with a sacrifice fly, his second of the game. After back-to-back singles by Bultmann and Jason Harris (scoring Bultmann), Matt Padgett was hit by pitch. Nystrom then brought Harris home on a sacrifice fly. Nystrom ended the day a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk. He also had two doubles to give him a team-leading five doubles on the season.
The 49ers were led at the plate by Matan, who was 2-for-4 with two runs, three RBIs, a triple, and a home run. Along with Ellis and Nystrom, Harris also led Clemson's effort with three hits in four at bats. Bultmann and Padgett also contributed with two-hit performances.
Clemson will play host to UNC Wilmington in a three game series on Friday (3:00), Saturday (2:00), and Sunday (2:00). The Tigers probable rotation is as follows:
Friday - Ryan Mottl, RHP (2-0)
Saturday - Skip Browning, RHP (1-0)
Sunday - Mike Paradis, RHP (1-0)
  
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