Clemson, S.C. – In an impressive display of offensive firepower, the Clemson Tigers stormed to a commanding 7-0 victory over the Auburn Tigers in the second game of the 2023 Clemson Regional. The game witnessed Clemson’s dominance as they out performed Auburn in both hitting and pitching, amassing 10 hits compared to Auburn’s solitary hit. The victory marked Clemson’s 19th shutout of the season and featured remarkable home runs from McKenzie Clark and Valerie Cagle.
Pitchers’ Duel Unfolds Between Cagle and Penta
With two of the country’s most talented pitchers on the mound, Valerie Cagle for Clemson and Maddie Penta for Auburn, spectators anticipated a thrilling pitchers’ duel in this rematch of the second game of the 2022 Clemson Regional. Both pitchers demonstrated their skills, and prevented their opponents from scoring throughout the first two and a half innings.
Clark’s Blast Breaks the Deadlock
The game remained a scoreless affair until the bottom of the third inning when McKenzie Clark launched her 12th home run of the year over the centerfield fence. This resounding hit broke the stalemate and granted the Clemson Tigers a 1-0 lead. The following inning passed without any scoring action, then Cagle bolstered her team’s position with an impressive 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fifth, denying Auburn any chance to cross the plate.
Fifth Inning Surge Seals the Win
The bottom of the fifth inning proved to be the turning point in the game as the Clemson Tigers launched a relentless offensive assault. JoJo Hyatt kick-started the surge with a solid single to right field, setting the stage for Julia Bomhardt, who entered the game as a pinch runner. Bomhardt displayed her speed by swiftly stealing second base and advancing to third on a well-executed flyout. With Clark at the plate, she bravely took a hit-by-pitch and proceeded to steal second base, putting herself in scoring position. Ally Miklesh then stepped up and delivered a clutch single up the middle, driving in Clark and Bomhardt, extending Clemson’s lead to 3-0.
Continuing the onslaught, Valerie Cagle approached the batter’s box and wasted no time in making her mark. On the second pitch of her at-bat, Cagle unleashed a powerful swing that resulted in a resounding home run off the left-field foul pole, further stretching Clemson’s lead to 5-0. Two batters later, the offensive momentum carried on as Alia Logoleo promptly plated Caroline Jacobsen, solidifying a commanding six-run lead for the Clemson Tigers.
Cagle Shines on the Mound, Davenport Contributes
Valerie Cagle continued to dominate on the mound, displaying her exceptional pitching skills. In the top of the sixth inning, she efficiently disposed of Auburn’s batters, needing only four pitches to retire the side. The bottom half of the inning saw Reedy Davenport make a valuable contribution to the team’s victory by driving in another run, further extending their lead to 7-0. Cagle then capped off her brilliant performance by striking out two batters in the top of the seventh, completing the shutout and cementing Clemson’s impressive victory.
Cagle’s Stellar Season Continues
Valerie Cagle’s outstanding performance in this game added to her exceptional season. This victory marked her 21st complete game of the year, elevating her record to an impressive 24-5. Over the course of her seven innings on the mound today, she allowed only one hit while striking out four batters, bringing her season total to an astonishing 180 strikeouts.
Looking Ahead
Following this resounding win, Clemson eagerly awaits the outcome of the final two games of the day to determine their next opponent. In Clemson’s next game, scheduled for a noon first pitch, they will take on the role of the designated away team, as they prepare to continue their winning streak in the pursuit of regional glory.
