CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Andrew Lindsey pitched seven strong innings, Griffin Merritt and Christian Moore hit home runs, and Tennessee rolled past Charlotte 8-1 on Friday in the Clemson Regional.
Lindsey (3-2 with a 2.40 earned-run average) allowed one run on five hits while striking out 10 without issuing a walk. Four relievers shared the last two innings, allowing one hit.
Second-seeded Tennessee (39-19) will play Clemson in the winner’s bracket on Saturday. No. 3 seed Charlotte (34-27) will play a loser-out game against Lipscomb. No. 1 Clemson defeated No. 4 Lipscomb 12-5 on Friday.
Tennessee built its lead through the first four innings, the biggest blow being Merritt’s three-run blast — his 18th home run of the season — in the fourth. Moore ripped a two-run double in the first and a solo home run in the third.
Merritt and Jared Dickey had three hits each for the Volunteers.
Austin Knight’s home run in the seventh produced Charlotte’s only run.
The 49ers’ Collin Kramer (6-5) allowed five runs in two innings.
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