Dropping the ball

CLEMSON — For the second straight series, Clemson saved its worst for last.

Whether the scenario be a series finale or save situation, closing has been problematic for the Tigers.

Needing to dominate a weak end-of-season schedule to steady its RPI and bolster its NCAA Regional-hosting resume, Clemson fell to UNC Wilmington, 4-3, at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

The loss came after easily winning the first two games of the series, a script similar to last week, when the Tigers failed to sweep listless Maryland. Clemson (34-17) has swept just two teams this season: Charlotte and Wake Forest.

Tigers second baseman Mike Freeman said sweeping is a matter of keeping "focus and concentration."

His coach, Jack Leggett, concurred, saying the Tigers' ebbs and flows of energy have been his greatest frustration.

After scoring 24 runs in the first two games of the series, the Tigers were limited to three runs Sunday by a pitcher making his first start of the season — Steven Davis — and 4 2/3 scoreless innings from the Wilmington bullpen.

"Consistency," said Leggett of his most pressing concern. "You see flashes where we are a really good team, and you see flashes where we are not playing as well as we need to.

"It only gets tougher and tougher if you plan on moving on."

Leggett was alluding to the NCAA Tournament, where it will be especially difficult for the Tigers if they are forced to play as a No. 2 seed on the road.

Clemson is 7-9 away from home.

Projections entering the weekend differed on Clemson's hosting chances.

The Tigers entered Sunday receiving help from Miami and Virginia — two potential competitors for bids — as they struggled in their weekend series.

Despite facing Wilmington this weekend, Clemson had actually climbed from ninth to sixth in the RPI entering Sunday.

However, the Tigers missed an opportunity as its top five hitters combined for one run and one RBI on Sunday, while the Seahawks got to starter Chris Dwyer the second time around the lineup.

"I won't say we were asleep today but we were a little comfortable," Clemson left fielder Jeff Schaus said. "It's pretty disappointing. (UNCW) is a team we should have beat. I think we are right on the edge of putting it together completely."

Schaus's last point is debatable as the bullpen remains inconsistent and starter Dwyer is in the midst of a four-start skid.

A month ago Dwyer looked like a potential ace, on Sunday Dwyer continued to pitch like a first-year starter, who might be hitting a wall.

The lefty threw just 41 innings last season in high school, and went over the 60 innings pitched mark Sunday.

Dwyer has not offered a quality start since the gem he threw against Miami on April 11.

Against what figured to be an overmatched lineup Sunday, Dwyer allowed three earned runs, four hits and a walk over five innings.

Since his start against Miami, Dwyer has allowed 13 runs, 23 hits and six walks in 17 2/3 innings. That's a 6.61 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP from a pitcher the club was hoping could be a D.J. Mitchell-type impact arm for the postseason.

"My arm feels great," Dwyer said. "I feel great every start. Sometimes things don't work out."

Notes

Clemson will face Furman at 4 p.m. today at Flour Field in Greenville, a makeup of Wednesday's rainout. ... Graham Stoneburner is unavailable with shoulder discomfort.

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks