CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- (AP) -- Alabama jumped out to an early 5-0 lead before holding on to beat Clemson 5-4 Saturday night in the opening game of the NCAA Clemson Super Regional.
Crimson Tide starter Jimmy Nelson (9-3) gave up four runs in 6 2-3 innings and Jake Smith shut out the Tigers over the final two frames for his sixth save. Smith also homered in the second.
Casey Harman (7-3) took the loss despite allowing only one earned run while striking out nine without a walk.
Game 2 of the best-of-three series is Sunday night.
Alabama scored four unearned runs with two outs in the third. With the bases loaded, Clemson third baseman John Hinson booted a grounder, allowing one run to score. Andrew Miller followed with a two-run single and Brett Booth drove in the other run with a single.
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