CLEMSON, S.C. (Interstat) — The Clemson Tigers erupted for 13 runs over the third and fourth innings to turn a tight contest into a rout, defeating the La Salle Explorers 16-4 in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

The offensive outburst secured a series victory for the Tigers, who improved to 14-1, while the Explorers fell to 8-5.

La Salle struck first, capitalizing on early control issues by Clemson starter Dane Moehler. Ryan Perez led off the game with a single and later scored the game’s first run on a sacrifice fly by Elijah Szestowicki in the second inning for a 1-0 lead.

Clemson responded immediately and forcefully in the bottom of the first against La Salle starter Luis Rodriguez. After a walk and a stolen base by Jarren Purify and a walk to Blake McCladdie, both runners moved into scoring position on a balk. Nate Savoie then laced a two-run double to left-center to put Clemson ahead 2-1. The Tigers added another run on a fielder’s choice by Jacob Jarrell, but left the bases loaded.

The Explorers tied the game in the top of the third on an RBI double by Tatsuya Suzuki, making it 3-3. The deadlock was short-lived.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the bottom of the third inning, transforming a one-run affair into a commanding Clemson lead. With one out and a runner on first, Purify launched a two-run homer to right-center off reliever Jack Gist, extending the lead to 8-4. The Tigers were far from done.

In the fourth inning, Clemson sent 14 batters to the plate and scored eight runs on six hits, effectively putting the game out of reach. Jarrell led off with a solo home run. After a hit batter and a wild pitch, Cam Dalley drove in a run with a single. Following another walk and a pitching change, Purify walked to load the bases for McCladdie, who delivered a two-run single up the middle. Savoie followed with an RBI single, and Andrew Lichtenberge capped the inning with a two-run double down the right-field line. Dalley added a sacrifice fly to complete the scoring, giving Clemson a 16-4 advantage.

From there, the Tigers’ bullpen silenced the La Salle offense. Ariston Veasey, Landon Fowler and Peyton Miller combined for three perfect innings of relief to close out the game, striking out four.

Purify was the catalyst for Clemson, going 2-for-2 with a home run, three RBIs, four runs scored and two walks. Savoie drove in three runs, while McCladdie and Lichtenberge each added two RBIs. The Tigers drew 11 walks and were hit by four pitches, constantly applying pressure on the La Salle pitching staff.

For the Explorers, Perez provided a bright spot, going 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in the fourth inning. La Salle managed only five hits as a team.

Clemson’s Nate Savoie, the designated hitter, went 2-for-2 with three RBIs and two runs scored. La Salle left fielder Ryan Perez finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Explorers reliever Lucas Edwards provided 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief after entering in the fifth inning.

The victory continued Clemson’s dominant start to the season, while La Salle will look to salvage the final game of the series on Sunday.