CLEMSON, S.C. (Interstat) — Nate Savoie’s go-ahead double in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted Clemson to a 3-2 comeback victory over Army in the season opener for both teams at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Friday evening.

The Tigers, who trailed 2-0 entering the seventh, scratched out the win despite grounding into two double plays and leaving multiple scoring opportunities unanswered for much of the night. The Black Knights out-hit Clemson 10-9 but could not capitalize after building their early lead.

Army struck first with an unearned run in the second inning. With two outs, Sam McKillop walked and scored from third on an RBI infield single by Braden Barr after a throwing error by Clemson third baseman Nolan Schreck extended the inning.

The game remained a 1-0 pitchers’ duel until the top of the seventh, when Army’s Kevin Quinlan provided what seemed like critical insurance. He launched a solo home run down the left-field line off Clemson reliever Dylan Harrison to double the Black Knights’ advantage.

The momentum shifted decisively in the bottom half of the frame. Clemson designated hitter Jack Crighton led off with a single. Catcher Jacob Jarrell then erased the deficit with one swing, driving a two-run homer over the left-field wall to tie the game at 2-2.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the eighth. Clemson’s Will McCladdie led off with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by Army catcher Derek Berg. Savoie, the next batter, delivered the decisive blow, lacing a double to center field to score McCladdie with the winning run.

Clemson starter Aidan Knaak worked three scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out four. Harrison earned the win with four innings of relief, surrendering two runs on six hits. Joe Allen pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.

Army starter Robbie Vanderhave took the hard-luck loss after a strong outing. He was charged with three runs, two earned, on eight hits over 7 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking one.

The Tigers improved to 1-0 and will host Army for a doubleheader on Saturday. The Black Knights fell to 0-1 and continue their opening series at Clemson.