Top-Ranked Tar Heels, Tigers Set for ACC Showdown

CLEMSON, S.C. (Interstat) — The North Carolina Tar Heels look to even a key Atlantic Coast Conference series against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

First pitch is set for the afternoon under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 74 degrees.

North Carolina (28-5-1) aims to rebound after dropping the series opener 7-2 on Friday. The Tar Heels, who boast the nation’s top winning percentage, had won eight of their last nine prior to the loss. Clemson (22-12) seeks its fourth consecutive victory after closing a West Coast trip with three straight wins, including a 6-4 victory at Santa Clara on Monday.

A key player to watch for the Tar Heels is reliever Tom Chmielewski. Over his last four appearances spanning 8.0 innings, he has allowed just three hits and three earned runs while striking out four. He pitched 3.1 strong innings in relief in Tuesday’s 8-4 win over Charlotte.

Clemson will counter with reliever Talan Bell, who brings recent momentum. After a string of difficult outings, Bell was dominant in his last appearance, throwing 3.0 perfect innings with three strikeouts in Monday’s win at Santa Clara.

The Tigers’ offense was powered by Jason Fultz in that game, as the third baseman went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, North Carolina is projected to win 8-4.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon. North Carolina will host UNC Wilmington on Tuesday, while Clemson travels to face Charlotte.