Game 1
The Clemson softball team got off to a strong start in their weekend series against the Virginia Cavaliers, securing a 4-1 victory in the series opener on Saturday. With the win, the Tigers improved to an impressive 27-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 in ACC play. On the other hand, the Cavaliers fell to 18-8 overall and 1-3 in the conference.
In the game, Clemson took an early lead by scoring three runs in the third inning, thanks in part to a two-run double from Caroline Jacobsen. Virginia managed to get on the board in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly, but Clemson quickly responded with another run of their own. The Tigers finished the game with four hits, two of which came from Jacobsen. Meanwhile, Millie Thompson pitched a complete game for the Tigers, allowing only two hits and one earned run while striking out six batters.
Jacobsen’s impressive performance at the plate earned her two RBIs, making her one of the key players for Clemson in the win. Thompson also had a strong showing on the mound, improving her record to a perfect 9-0 on the season. On the other side, Eden Bigham pitched six innings for Virginia, allowing four hits and four earned runs while striking out two batters.
Game 2
Clemson’s Valerie Cagle was particularly impressive, earning her ninth complete game of the season and improving her record to 12-1. She was able to keep the Virginia hitters off-balance throughout the game, allowing just three hits and no runs. Despite taking the loss, Virginia’s Molly Grube also put in a stellar performance, pitching a complete game and allowing only one run.
The Tigers were able to push across the game’s only run in the bottom of the third inning. After Ally Miklesh led off the inning with an infield single and advanced to third on a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt, McKenzie Clark drove her in with a deep fly to center field.
While the Tigers’ pitching was dominant, their offense was limited to just two hits on the day. Maddie More and Ally Miklesh each contributed one hit apiece. Despite the lack of offensive production, the Tigers were able to capitalize on the one scoring opportunity they were presented with.
On the other side of the field, the Cavaliers were able to muster three hits off of Cagle, but were unable to push across any runs. Kate Covington, Abigail Barber, and Katie Goldberg each recorded one hit for Virginia. Despite the loss, the Cavaliers showed that they can compete with some of the top teams in the conference.
With the victory, the Clemson Tigers improved to 28-1 (5-0 ACC) on the season, while the Virginia Cavaliers fell to 18-9 (1-4 ACC). The game was a reminder that in baseball, it’s often the pitchers who dictate the outcome, and on this day, it was Clemson’s pitching staff that proved to be the difference-maker. Game 3 will be played Sunday.
