No. 16 Clemson blasted by Florida State, drops series to Seminoles

The Clemson pitching staff had its worst day of the year Saturday afternoon against Florida State as the Tigers were blown out 16-2 in Game 2 of the series against the Seminoles.

FSU clinched the series with the victory after defeating Clemson 6-2 in Game 1 on Friday.

Mat Clark had been stellar for the Tigers all season, entering with a 1.98 ERA. But he struggled mightily against Florida State, allowing five runs in 3 1/3 innings.

The bullpen also struggled with Holt Jones allowing six runs in two innings and Travis Marr allowing five runs in 2 1/3.

Clemson was outhit 14-5 in the loss, and no Clemson player had more than one hit.

Sam Hall hit a solo home run for Clemson to open the game, but the Tigers did not score again until Bryar Hawkins hit a solo homer in the seventh.

Clemson allowed double digit runs for only the second time all season in the loss. The only other time came in a 14-3 loss to South Carolina in March.

Clemson (25-10, 11-6) had won three consecutive ACC series entering the weekend.

Florida State (21-13, 9-8) was led by Mike Salvatore, who went 4-for-5 with two runs, three RBIs, a double and a home run.

J.C. Flowers was 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs and five RBIs.

Clemson and Florida State will complete their three-game series Sunday with first pitched scheduled for 1 p.m.

This story was originally published April 13, 2019 at 4:51 PM.