DURHAM, N.C. - Dominic Leone and David Haselden combined to shut down Georgia Tech, leading the sixth-seed Clemson Tigers (40-17) to a 9-0 victory against the third-seed Yellow Jackets (39-18) in the opening game of the ACC tournament on Wednesday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The Yellow Jackets, who were held without a run for the first time since June 1, 2008, fell in their opening game at the tournament for the third straight season.

The team's struggles at the plate came mostly with runners on base, as Tech went 0-for-9 with players in scoring position.

Clemson starter Leone (6-2) went five innings and earned the win, after working out of several jams when the game was still tight.

Georgia Tech had Leone on the ropes early, loading the bases in the first.

With one out, Jacob Esch walked and advanced to second on a single by Matt Skole. Leone issued another walk, this time to Jake Davies.

But Leone induced Sam Dove to ground into a fielder's choice at the plate and struck out Daniel Palka to end the inning.

"It was a crucial point in the game," Leone said. "I tried to bear down and throw strikes and let my defense make plays."

Georgia Tech second baseman Matt Hyde doubled off the left field wall to start the bottom of the second for the Yellow Jackets. But Leone notched a pair of strike outs and emerged unscathed.