FSU: Tigers survive Seminole rally in 7-6 triumph

By Michael McGuffee - May 12, 2007

After giving up three runs in the top of the ninth to lose an eight-inning lead, No. 2 Florida State failed to pull off one of its signature two-out rallies with runners on first and third and fell to No. 16 Clemson 7-6 in game two of the series. The 'Noles blew a 6-1 lead sustained in the third inning.

Reliever Alan Farina was clutch on the mound for Clemson, hurling six strikeouts and allowing just four hits and no runs in 4 and 1/3 innings. Farina was the main force that kept the Seminoles scoreless through six consecutive innings to end the game and stage the come-from-behind win.

FSU started out at the top of the lineup, but Seminole hitting machine Tony Thomas Jr. struck out to lead off the inning and Mark Hallberg grounded out to dig a two-out hole for the Tribe.

Catcher Buster Posey finally gave the 'Noles something to cheer about with a single to right field. Right fielder Jack Rye kept the desperation rally going with a shot to right center that advanced the tying run to third, with freshman slugger D'Vontrey Richardson on deck.

Richardson, pinch hitting with a batting average of .364, came to the plate as the Seminole faithful crossed their fingers, but the freshman struck out swinging on a 1-2 count.

The Seminole loss was only the third at home for the Tribe this season. Florida State, who is perfect in ACC series play this season, will have to win the rubber match tomorrow to keep it that way.