The first burst of emotion in Clemson-South Carolina 2018 came in the first inning Friday evening at Founders Park.
Adam Hill, teasing another special performance as USC’s ace, beat his chest and yelled in the direction of the Gamecock dugout. The right-hander’s 95 mph fastball had just whipped past Patrick Cromwell’s swing, ending the opening frame of the 316th installment of this storied rivalry.
Hill, like the rest of the current Carolina roster, is searching for his first Clemson series victory. His pride was evident from strikeout No. 1 to No. 14. USC’s lead pitcher was electric for the second straight outing, mowing down the 14th-ranked Tigers like he did lower profile Charleston Southern a week earlier.