Dugout vs. Michigan State
Ava Morgan

Baseball

Following Its Sunday Shutout, Baseball Returns to Fluor Field for a Midweek Clash with Clemson

Game Information
February 28, 2023 | 4:00 p.m. ET
USC Upstate (6-2; 0-0 Big South) vs. Clemson (4-3; 0-0 ACC)
Fluor Field | Greenville, S.C.
 
Tickets: Click Here to Order
TV: ESPN+ | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App
 
Probable Starting Pitchers
USC Upstate | Clemson
LHP Al Holguin (1-0; 3.38 ERA) | LHP Tristan Smith (0-0; 0.00 ERA)
 
Series History
Tuesday's midweek meeting between USC Upstate and Clemson at Fluor Field marks the eighth all-time meeting between the two clubs in the Spartans' Division I era (2007-pres.) and the second at Fluor Field. The Tigers lead the series 6-1 after taking both meetings last season and winning three straight dating back to 2021. The Spartans' lone win in the series came with a 12-2 decision on March 9, 2021, at Clemson.
 
Last Time Out
USC Upstate: vs. Michigan State (L, 13-6); vs. Toledo (L, 11-3); vs. Northwestern (W, 9-0)
Clemson: vs. Central Florida (L, 4-2; L, 10-7; L, 13-6)
 
Players to Watch
USC Upstate
Pitcher: After going 5.0 innings to earn the win in his first career start versus North Florida, sophomore left-handed pitcher Al Holguin takes the ball again Tuesday against Clemson. The start marks his third appearance of the year as he holds a 3.38 ERA over 5.1 innings of work, striking out four while holding opponents to a .200 batting average. Last season at Fluor Field, he threw 1.2 scoreless innings against the Tigers.
 
Position Player: Earning his first start of the year to start the week, redshirt junior outfielder Grant Sherrod made five starts on the week, picking up a hit in each of them as he led Upstate with nine hits and 10 RBI last week. Of his nine hits, three went for extra bases, including a pair of grand slams, one against Michigan State and the other versus Northwestern. For the year, he's hitting .455 and leads Upstate with 11 runs batted in.
 
Clemson
Pitcher: Taking the ball for the Tigers, left-hander Tristan Smith makes his first career start after appearing twice in relief in his first season in a Clemson uniform. He's tossed 0.2 innings apiece in outings versus Binghamton and Central Florida, earning a save against the Bearcats. Over his 1.1 innings of work, he's struck out three and surrendered two hits.
 
Position Player: With five extra-base hits this season, including a pair of home runs, infielder Blake Wright paces the Clemson offense this season as he's also tied for the team lead in RBI. He opened the season going 4-for-4 at the plate with two homers and three RBI against Binghamton and has a hit in six of seven games this season while he's struck out just one time in 26 at-bats this year.
 
Up Next for the Spartans
Following its midweek game with Clemson Tuesday, Upstate hits the road for its first weekend series away from Harley Park, travelling to Alabama to face Troy. The Spartans and Trojans are set for a three-game series with games Friday (7 p.m.), Saturday (4 p.m.), and Sunday (2 p.m.).
 
Connect with the Spartans 
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics 
Twitter | @UpstateBSB | @UpstateSpartans 
Instagram | @UpstateBSB | @UpstateSpartans 
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans 
Make a difference in the lives of USC Upstate student-athletes!  Donate to the USC Upstate U Club today!
 
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Players Mentioned

Al Holguin

#28 Al Holguin

LHP/DH
6' 0"
Sophomore
L/L
Grant Sherrod

#14 Grant Sherrod

INF/OF
6' 4"
Redshirt Junior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Al Holguin

#28 Al Holguin

6' 0"
Sophomore
L/L
LHP/DH
Grant Sherrod

#14 Grant Sherrod

6' 4"
Redshirt Junior
R/R
INF/OF