Leone, Stolz lead Clemson to elimination game win over Coastal Carolina, rematch with USC

COLUMBIA – The rivals will meet again.

Clemson used a solid performance from starting pitcher Dominic Leone and two home runs from No. 9 hitter Jason Stolz to eliminate Coastal Carolina, 5-3, in an elimination game today.

Clemson (35-27) advances to play South Carolina (42-17) at 4 p.m. today, less than a full day after losing a 5-4 instant classic to the Gamecocks.

Clemson’s pitching staff has been taxed over the last 24 hours as it has used seven pitchers combining to throw 330 pitches. There was no immediate announcement on Clemson’s Game 4 starting pitcher.

Leone saved the bullpen by pitching seven innings, allowing six hits, three runs, four walks while striking out six. He threw 127 pitches.

Scott Firth came on in relief to pitch the eight and ninth and secure the win.

Stolz tied the score at 1 with a third-inning home run and after a Brad Felder RBI double in the fourth he followed with a two-run shot to left to give Clemson a 4-2 lead.

Stolz entered with five home runs in 230 at bats.

A Phil Pohl RBI single in the ninth gave Clemson a 5-3 lead.