Sarratt helps Clemson on the mound
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Sports Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Clemson sophomore Justin Sarratt got the second start of his career against Furman. The former Gaffney High standout has pitched 37 innings and compiled a 1-2 overall record.

Justin Sarratt got a rare starting assignment Wednesday evening in Clemson's 11-5 victory over Furman.

Sarratt, a standout pitcher at Gaffney High, has been used primarily in middle relief situations. He pitched the first two innings against Furman as the Tigers stuck with a plan to give multiple pitchers time on the mound.

Clemson scored seven of its 11 runs with two outs to come from behind against Furman. The Tigers improved to 25-23-1 overall headed into this weekend's important three game ACC series against Georgia Tech.

Furman's Marcus Rose led off the game with a single off Sarratt. Connor Lind followed with a walk.

Both runners advanced on a groundout by Bobby Hubbard. Ryan Lee drove in Rose with a groundout to second to give the Paladins a 1-0 lead.

Sarratt gave up just two hits and a run in two innings of work. For the season, he has pitched 37 innings and compiled a 1-2 record.

Clemson used seven pitchers against Furman.

"We had the game mapped out before hand. I knew I was going to pitch the first two innings and then someone else would throw the next two innings," Sarratt said. "We've had our ups and downs. We have played better the past several games because we have been able to put our pitching and hitting together."

Ben Paulsen keyed the Tigers offense in the comeback win over Furman.

Paulsen went 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. Doug Hogan and Kyle Parker added two hits and two RBIs.

Matt Sanders had two RBIs. Jeff Schaus extended his hitting streak to 12 games.

Every Clemson starter had a hit. The Tigers finished with 15 hits. Trailing 3-0 after three innings, Clemson tied the game in the fourth inning when Parker led off with a single and advanced to third on Paulsen's double.

Parker was caught too far off third base. Furman threw to third, allowing Parker to score.

After Stan Widmann walked to load the bases, Sanders hit a two run single. Furman regained the lead 5-3 in the fifth inning.

Clemson tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a two run double by Hogan to score Paulsen and Wilson Boyd. The Tigers took an 8-5 lead in the sixth inning on a two run double by Parker and an RBI single by Paulsen.

Clemson added a run in the seventh inning and two more runs in the eighth inning. The Tigers scored seven of their 11 runs with two outs.

Clemson reliever Matt Zoltak (4-0) pitched a scoreless inning to earn the victory. The Tigers will travel to Atlanta, Ga., this weekend to face #25 Georgia Tech in their final ACC series.

Sarratt is looking forward to a strong finish.

"Our goal is to make the ACC tournament and advance in the regionals so we can end the season in Omaha," Sarratt said. "We just have to step it up and play our best in the final stretch of games this season."