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Tennessee takes lead over Clemson in Clemson Regional on solo shot from Christian Moore

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham•06/03/23•

AndrewEdGraham

Texas A&M v Tennessee
(Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

It took a while for the offenses to break through in the winners bracket of the Clemson Regional on Saturday as the hosts faced Tennessee. Then Christian Moore stepped into the box for Tennessee.

With the bases empty in the top of the fourth inning, Moore took an inside pitch and crushed it out to left field. So far his solo shot is the only scoring of the game, giving the Vols a 1-0 lead.

And he’s been one of the few hitters able to best Clemson starter Caden Grice today.

The winner of the Clemson-Tennessee contest will be in the drivers seat to win the regional, needing just one victory to get over the hump. The loser, on the other hand, will have to win three in a row to even get to a Super Regional.

But Clemson, a team that at one point looked dead in the water this season, is no strangers to trying turn things around. The Tigers have overcome a lot this season, so a one-run deficit shouldn’t be too daunting.

Tennessee coach Tony Vitello heaped high praise on Clemson coach Erik Bakich ahead of the game

In his press conference on Friday, Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello heaped high praise on Erik Bakich and said he’s been impressive all season long.

“Well, I’m glad you mentioned his name because that was going to be my answer. He’s about as organized of a guy, as thorough as you’re gonna find. And I think the team kind of mirrored that this year, if you were able to follow them. And of course, we were all wrapped up in the non-conference games too, but our league play. So, you keep an eye on people, and then when you get into the bracket, you take a look at all three teams,” Vitello said.

“And Lipscomb and Charlotte, being a little bit familiar of those guys than Clemson. But again, when you look at them [Clemson], they play organized, well coached ball, and rarely make mistakes. And today, I know it was back and forth but coach…I forget what was mentioned on the TV broadcast, but obviously there was some separation between the two clubs. When we were in the cages, we almost got hit with a ball,” Vitello said.

Clemson has now won 17 straight games and Bakich has been a key piece to their success. Guiding the Tigers to an ACC Tournament Championship during his first season there is no small feat.