Tigers Take an Early Lead with a Commanding 4-0 Advantage in the First Inning
In an impressive display of power and skill, the Clemson Tigers (47-9) started the 2023 Clemson Regional with a resounding 17-2 victory over the UNC Greensboro Spartans (39-18) on Friday afternoon. The Tigers left no doubt about their intent as they jumped out to a commanding 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
McKenzie Clark and Caroline Jacobson Set the Stage for an Explosive Rally
The rally began with McKenzie Clark’s well-placed single to left field, followed by Valerie Cagle’s intentional walk, setting the stage with two runners on and only one out. Then, Caroline Jacobsen stepped up and crushed a magnificent three-run home run to left center field, igniting the crowd. Not to be outdone, Alia Logoleo swiftly followed with a solo shot to dead center field, adding to the Tigers’ early onslaught.
Tigers Maintain Offensive Dominance in the Second Inning
Clemson didn’t let up in the second inning, tacking on three more runs. Aby Vieira drew a walk, and JoJo Hyatt smacked a double to deep right-center field, bringing Vieira home. Hyatt’s daring advance to third on a wild pitch set the table for Reedy Davenport, who blasted a two-run homer to left-center field, extending Clemson’s lead to 7-0.
Tigers Respond to UNCG’s Run with Authority
UNCG managed to get on the board with a run in the top of the third inning, but the Tigers responded emphatically with two more runs of their own. Jacobsen reached base on a fielder’s choice, Logoleo singled up the middle, and Maddie Moore walked, loading the bases. Vieira then seized the moment, driving a ground ball through the right side to bring both Jacobsen and Logoleo across the plate. Vieira’s clutch hit was credited as a double, solidifying the Tigers’ dominance at 9-1.
Clemson Continues to Showcase Offensive Prowess in the Third Inning
Undeterred, Clemson continued to pour on the offense in the third inning. Ally Miklesh’s appearance as a result of a fielder’s choice and Cagle’s third walk of the day set the stage for Jacobsen’s pivotal at-bat. With a powerful swing, Jacobsen hammered a double to right center field, driving in both runners and bolstering Clemson’s lead to an impressive 11-1. Just two batters later, Moore joined the home run parade with a two-run bomb to center field, extending the Tigers’ advantage to 13-1.
Tigers Extend their Dominance with Four More Runs in the Fourth Inning
The Tigers’ offensive spectacle continued in the fourth inning, as they added four more runs to their tally. Arielle Oda drew a walk to start the inning, and Abi Stuart’s single through the left side put two runners on. Cagle followed with a timely single, scoring Oda. Jacobsen, showing no signs of slowing down, recorded her third hit of the game with a single off the pitcher. Logoleo capitalized on the bases being loaded and drew a walk, bringing Stuart home. Moore’s single to center field then drove in both Cagle and Jacobsen, pushing Clemson’s lead to a commanding 17-1.
Clemson Secures the Victory with Stellar Pitching Performance
Although UNCG managed to scrape together one more run in the top of the fifth inning, it was not enough to derail the Tigers’ unstoppable momentum. Clemson’s pitching held firm, securing the 17-2 victory and advancing them in the tournament.
Junior Millie Thompson (14-5) shined in the circle for Clemson, earning the well-deserved win. Thompson pitched three strong innings, conceding only one run on three hits while striking out three batters. Sophomore Brooke McCubbin closed out the game, pitching the final two innings and allowing just one run on one hit while striking out one batter.
Tigers Await the Winner of Auburn vs. Cal State Fullerton
With this convincing win, the Tigers now eagerly await their matchup against the winner of the Auburn vs. Cal State Fullerton game. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m., promising another thrilling contest for the Clemson softball team and its passionate fans.
