The No. 16 seed Clemson Softball team triumphed over the Auburn Tigers to secure their spot in the Super Regionals for the second consecutive season. Despite dropping the first game of the day by a score of 5-2, Clemson bounced back with a resounding 5-1 victory in the Regional Championship finale, showcasing their prowess on the field and improving their overall record to an impressive 49-10.
Game 1 – Auburn Prevails with a 5-2 Win
In the first game of the day, the designated home team, Auburn, took the initiative and struck early in the bottom of the first inning, opening the scoring. With runners on base due to a walk and a single, Auburn delivered a crushing blow with a three-run home run to center field, giving them a commanding 3-0 lead.
Undeterred, Clemson responded in the top of the fourth inning when Alia Logoleo launched a solo home run over the right-field fence. The redshirt junior showcased her hitting prowess by belting the eighth pitch of her at-bat, injecting renewed energy into the Clemson Tigers. Both teams exchanged runs in the bottom of the fourth and the top of the fifth innings. Auburn capitalized on a double to bring home another runner, while Clemson narrowed the gap as Caroline Jacobsen drew a bases-loaded walk, bringing Arielle Oda across home plate. With Auburn maintaining a 4-2 lead through four and a half innings, the game remained intense.
Auburn managed to add an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning, increasing their lead to 5-2. Despite their valiant efforts, the Clemson Tigers couldn’t mount a comeback, resulting in a hard-fought victory for Auburn.
Game 2 – Clemson Tigers Showcase Home Field Advantage with Convincing 5-1 Win
The second game of the day saw the Clemson Tigers take full advantage of their status as the home team. Right from the start, they displayed their intent to dominate the game. McKenzie Clark was hit by a pitch, giving Clemson the perfect opportunity to take an early lead. With one out Cagle singled to shortstop and the throwing error to first allowed Clark to advance to third. Caroline Jacobsen then hit a chopper back to the shortstop, allowing her to reach base as Clark was ruled out at home. Cagle, demonstrating her exceptional baserunning skills, advanced to third during the play and capitalized on a wild pitch to score the first run of the game, putting Clemson ahead 1-0 after just one inning.
Maintaining their momentum, Clemson continued their offensive onslaught in the second inning. Aby Vieira drew a well-earned walk, and JoJo Hyatt advanced her to second base. Reedy Davenport then delivered a clutch single into shallow center, bringing Vieira home and extending Clemson’s lead to 2-0. The Tigers didn’t stop there. Clark was hit by another pitch, and Ally Miklesh utilized her speed to reach base on a bunt while Davenport and Clark advanced. Cagle drew a bases loaded walk, picking up an RBI as Davenport scored, solidifying Clemson’s dominance with a 3-0 lead after just two innings.
Auburn managed to muster a response in the top of the third inning, scoring one run after the leadoff batter hit a triple to right field. Then on the next play the runner was ruled safe on a fielder’s choice play at the plate. However, Clemson swiftly quashed any hopes of a comeback by executing a flawless 6-4-3 double play, ending the inning and preventing further damage.
Undeterred by Auburn’s minor rally, Clemson added two more runs in the fourth inning. Clark singled down the left field line, and a Miklesh groundout allowed her to advance to second. Taking advantage of a wild pitch, Clark advanced to third, and Cagle drew a walk. Jacobsen then showcased her hitting prowess, driving the ball down the third base line to bring Clark home, while Maddie Moore followed suit with a single, scoring pinch runner Julia Bomhardt from second base. After four innings, Clemson held a commanding 5-1 lead, a score that would remain unchanged for the rest of the game, securing their well-deserved ticket to the Super Regionals.
Cagle Shines on the Mound and at the Plate
Valerie Cagle, the pitching and hitting sensation for the Clemson Tigers, delivered an exceptional performance once again. Tossing her 22nd complete game of the season, Cagle showcased her pitching prowess by throwing 7.0 innings, recording two strikeouts, and allowing only four hits. Moreover, she displayed her versatility by reaching base in all four of her plate appearances. In the two regional games against the Auburn Tigers in 2023, Cagle pitched a total of 14.0 innings, conceding just one run and five hits. Her outstanding achievements have earned her a spot as one of the top three finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award. With a remarkable record of 25-6 in the circle, Cagle continues to be an invaluable asset to the team.
Looking Ahead to Super Regionals
With their victory in the Clemson Softball Regional, the Tigers are now set to embark on a challenging journey to Norman, Oklahoma, where they will face the formidable No. 1 seed, Oklahoma, in the Super Regionals. This highly anticipated best-of-three series will commence on Friday, May 26. Detailed game times and television designations will be announced at a later date.
