The Clemson Tigers staged an exciting late-game comeback but ultimately fell just short, losing 7-6 to No. 23/24 Kentucky in the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational on Friday.
Kentucky quickly got on the scoreboard with a two-run home run in the top of the first inning. Clemson answered right back as freshman Macey Cintron continued her impressive season, hitting a two-run homer to even the score at 2-2. The Wildcats regained the lead with runs in both the second and third innings, making it 4-2. The Tigers struggled to take advantage of their chances during the middle innings, while Kentucky added what seemed to be a decisive blow—a three-run home run in the top of the sixth, pushing their lead to 7-2.
Facing a five-run deficit entering the bottom of the sixth, Clemson showed determination. Sophomore Julia Knowler initiated a potential comeback with a solo home run, her third of the season. The Tigers entered the final inning trailing 7-3 but refused to go down without a fight. With two outs, Clemson mounted a rally, highlighted by an RBI single from Cintron that brought them within one run. However, the Wildcats managed to escape the threat, clinching the narrow 7-6 victory.
Macey Cintron: The freshman delivered a standout performance, going 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBIs, including her two-run home run.
Maddie Moore: The senior extended her on-base streak to 25 games, tying a Clemson program record, while also swiping her first stolen base of the season.
Julia Knowler: Provided a spark in the sixth with a solo home run.
Cintron started in the circle, pitching 2.1 innings while striking out two. Reese Basinger and Brooke McCubbin handled relief duties, combining for 4.2 innings and four strikeouts. Despite a solid effort, the Clemson staff struggled to keep Kentucky’s power hitters in check.
With the loss, Clemson drops to 3-3 on the season. The Tigers will look to bounce back on Saturday when they face UCF at 9 a.m.
