CLEMSON, S.C. – USC Upstate baseball dominated Clemson University 12-2 Tuesday evening at Doug Kingsmore Stadium to remain undefeated at 10-0 on the year. The Spartans racked up 12 hits and a pair of five-run innings, including a grand slam over the center field wall from Jack Gallagher in the top of the ninth. With the win, Upstate improves to 7-0 against Palmetto State teams across the past two seasons under head coach Mike McGuire and his staff.

Gallagher had a career night, going 3-for-5 at the plate with seven RBI. He ripped a bases-clearing double to right center in the top of the second, driving in three runs to give Upstate an early 6-1 lead. He had no mercy on a new Clemson pitcher in the top of the ninth as he launched a moonshot over the wall in center field with bases loaded to put the Spartans up 12-2.

"We accomplished what we came here to do, and that was win. I really liked how we pitched tonight. We went in with a plan of using a handful of guys, and that's what we did. I thought we really flashed the leather. We can be a great defensive club, and we showed that again tonight. Offensively, we got contribution from everybody. I like the way we're coming to the ballpark every day and working to get better. I think we're capable of playing with anybody when we have the right mindset and approach, play together, and come to the yard expecting to win," said Coach McGuire.

Jason Matthews had some key defensive plays at shortstop and batted 2-for-4 on the day with two runs and two RBI. With the bases loaded and no outs in the top of the second, he ripped a two-run double down the left field line to drive in Adam Grob and Chase Matheny to put the Spartans up 3-0.

Devin Buckner went 2-for-5 at the plate with two runs scored and an RBI. He scored the first run of the game on Cameron MacIntosh's RBI single to left in the top of the first, and later drove in a run with a single to shortstop in the top of the ninth.

Jack Hennessy tacked on a run in the bottom of the sixth with a sac fly to center to knock in Matheny, who reached and took second on an errant throw by Clemson's second baseman before advancing to third on a sac bunt from Grob.

Sawyer Worrell got the start on the mound and went 2.0 innings with a strikeout before the bullpen got some work in. Sean Hupp made his season debut when he took over in the third and fanned a batter in 1.1 innings of work. The decision went to him, giving him a 1-0 record on the year.

Jake Cubbler entered in the bottom of the fourth with one out and a runner on second, and struck out both batters he faced to end the inning. He went 3.0 innings with five strikeouts and only allowed one run in his day of work.

Nate Payne made his Spartan debut when he entered in the bottom of the seventh with bases loaded and one out. After a sac fly, he forced a groundout to third to get Upstate out of the inning.

Kevin Davis entered in the bottom of the eighth with runners on the corners and no outs. He struck out the first batter he faced and forced Clemson into a 6-3 double play to get out of the jam unharmed. Trey Miller later stepped in to close things out with the final two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

UP Next for the Spartans
The Spartans will travel to the Big South Preseason favorite Campbell University this weekend for a three-game series. First pitch for game one on Friday, March 12 is set for 4 p.m. with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.

Spartans Win Today, You Save Tomorrow!
Save 50% off online orders at Papa John's locations across the Upstate. Use the code USCUP50 when placing online orders the day after Upstate victories. Also tomorrow, visit The Beacon Drive-In located in Spartanburg and show the win graphic posted to the @UpstateSpartans Instagram account to claim a free sweet tea as part of the "Sweet Taste of Victory" promotion. No purchase necessary.

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