Tigers smash four homers in rout

For the second time in the series, Chris Williams and Chris Okey both hit three-run homers to lead No. 23 Clemson to a 17-4 win over Georgia Southern at J.I. Clements Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Tigers, who won the series 2-1, improved to 34-18. The Eagles dropped to 31-22. It was Clemson’s ninth weekend series win in 13 series in 2016.

Clemson scored four runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by Williams’ three-run homer, his fifth of the year. The first six Tigers reached and scored in the fifth inning. Eli White hit a two-run single, then Okey blasted a three-run homer, his 11th of the season, and fourth against Georgia Southern in his career.

After the Eagles scored three runs in the sixth, Weston Wilson laced a two-run home run in the seventh inning, his fifth of the season. The Tigers tacked on five runs in the ninth, highlighted by Andrew Cox’s pinch-hit, two-run homer – Clemson’s fourth long ball of the game.

Clemson starter Ryley Gilliam (3-2) earned the win, as he allowed five hits, three runs and three walks with four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Eagle starter Connor Simmons (3-2) suffered the loss, as he yielded four runs on three hits in four innings.

The Tigers host Charleston Southern at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, in their final home game of the regular season.