CLEMSON, S.C. –  In the third consecutive one-run decision, the William & Mary baseball team was edged by No. 12 Clemson, 2-1, to conclude opening weekend on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers' (3-0) pitching staff limited the Tribe (0-3) to three hits to start the season unbeaten.
 
For the first time in the series, Clemson was the initial team to score after posting a pair of single run innings in the second and fourth. Back-to-back singles set up a RBI grounder in the second, and a bases loaded hit by pitch scored another run in the fourth.
 
The Tribe wouldn't manufacture a run until the sixth inning after going down in order through the first five. Junior Owen Socher doubled down the third base line, before classmate Zach Pearson brought him home courtesy of a single to left center.
 
Sophomore RHP Wade Strain kept the Tigers off the scoreboard in the next two innings to maintain the one-run margin. However, the Green and Gold offense managed just one hit the rest of the way.
 
Tribe Standouts
Despite getting taxed with the loss, freshman Jacob Haney (0-1) showed a lot of promise in his W&M debut. The Charlottesville, Va., native went four innings with four strikeouts and two runs (both earned) on two hits. Socher, Pearson, and sophomore Patrick Ryan all finished with a hit each. Socher was responsible for the lone extra base hit.
 
Inside the Numbers
- Clemson starter Jake Higginbotham retired the first 15 Tribe batters he faced. Higginbotham earned his first win after allowing one earned run on two hits.
- Haney did not surrender an extra base hit in his first start.
- The Tribe bullpen held the Tigers to just two hits across four scoreless innings.
- The Tigers boasted a .353 percentage in advancement opportunities. Clemson also finished 4-for-8 (.500) in leading off.
- Clemson pitching staff gave up just one free base (a walk), compared to nine (seven walks, two hit by pitches) from the Tribe hurlers.
- Ryley Gilliam recorded the save by hurling a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts.

Notes
Haney is the first freshman to earn an opening weekend start since 2012…Seniors Charlie Fletcher and Robert White made their second relief appearance of the series…Fletcher improved to seventh in W&M history with 78 career appearances…David Hogarth made his collegiate debut at third base… Junior Nick Butts earned his first start (second appearance) of 2018 in left field…Senior Michael Toner logged his 22nd career appearance, the first since April 6, 2016 vs. Old Dominion. Senior Craig McLane saw action in his first game of the year as a pinch runner. Ryan and Pearson started the season with a three-game hitting streak.
 
Up Next
The Tribe open its home schedule with five games in six days, starting with mid-week contests against in-state rival VCU and Big Ten Foe Maryland. W&M welcomes the Rams on Feb. 20 (4 pm) and will host the Terrapins the following day (4 pm).