0 and 11

This has not been an easy stretch to be a Clemson baseball fan. I think we all knew coming into the season that this season was going to be a tough one for Jack Leggett and the boys, but did any of us think it was going to be this tough? The lack of offense over the last 11 games has been stunning. Only one player over the last 11 has a batting average over .300 and 7 of the regular starting 9 are under .200 over the period. It has been the little things that have done the Tigers in at the plate. Not being able to move runners over, striking out with runners in scoring position and only one out when just making contact will push a run across, pitchers not being able to overcome errors in the field, and even a fan base that is losing hope. At last night's game against South Carolina I was shocked at the number of empty seats. I understand that losing will knock folks off the band wagon, but this was against the enemy!

The Tigers sit at 18-19, the first time they have had a losing record this deep in a season since 1957. The Tigers are 6-12 in the ACC and head off to Durham, NC for a three game set with the Duke Blue Devils. To say the Tigers need a sweep is a gross understatement, but don't think it will come that easy. The Blue Devils have a Friday pitcher who has shown the ability to beat good teams. When you are in a funk like the Tigers getting the first win to break the streak is always the hardest. Jack has said repeatedly he is not throwing in the towel on the season and that he believes something good can still come out of the season. I, for one, tend to believe him. Now it maybe because I am just to close to the program, but in the past he has gotten things turned around and I think he can do it again. This weekends three games we tell us a lot. If the Tigers go to Durham with doubt in their minds, they are asking for trouble. The one game at a time philosophy must prevail. Just get a win on Friday, then worry about Saturday. This maybe the toughest series that Jack Leggett has ever had to get a team prepare for. Based on his past record, I think he will come through.