May 26, 2007

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Clemson pitcher David Kopp threw a six-hitter in the first complete game of his career to lead the Tigers to a 5-1 win Saturday over top-seeded Florida State in the ACC Baseball Championships.

Kopp had never pitched more than seven innings in a game in his three years with Clemson. But the junior right-hander shut down FSU's potent offense on just five singles and a double. He didn't walk anyone and struck out seven. Kopp lost his bid for a shutout when Florida State's Jack Rye hit a one-out double in the ninth inning to drive home the Seminoles' only run.

Kopp (6-2) then got the next two batters on a strike out and ground out to earn the win. He retired 13 consecutive batters from the fifth inning to one out in the ninth when his throwing error allowed FSU's Buster Posey to reach base.

Clemson (38-21, 18-12) scored runs in four different innings in handing FSU's Bryan Henry (14-1) his first loss of the year. Four Tigers recorded two hits each, including J.D. Burgess who had a pair of doubles, his first two-base hits in 50 games this year. Centerfielder Brad Chalk drove in two runs for the Tigers with a bases-loaded walk and an RBI-triple.

Florida State (47-11, 24-6) lost for the second time in the tournament and suffered its third defeat in four games at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville this year. Rye had three of FSU's six hits.

If Miami beats Wake Forest in the late game Saturday, Clemson will play North Carolina in Sunday's championship contest. A win by Wake Forest will send the Demon Deacons into the finals against the Tar Heels.

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