The Clemson Tigers bounced back in dominant fashion, securing an 11-3 run-rule victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday at the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational. Behind an explosive offensive performance and a shutdown relief effort from Reese Basinger, the Tigers ended the game in six innings, improving their record to 4-6 on the season.
Ohio State got off to a strong start in the top of the first inning, quickly taking a 3-0 lead. The Buckeyes benefited from a solo home run by Hadley Parisien, along with RBI singles from Sami Bewick and Morgan Frye.
However, Clemson was quick to respond. In the bottom of the inning, Julia Knowler brought the Tigers onto the scoreboard with a sacrifice fly that scored Alex Brown. Just moments later, Ava Wilson hit a towering three-run home run—her first of the season—putting Clemson ahead 4-3.
Clemson maintained their momentum by increasing their lead in the second inning. Knowler hit another sacrifice fly, bringing Jamison Brockenbrough home. Soon after, freshman standout Macey Cintron added a sacrifice fly of her own, scoring Brown and pushing the Tigers’ lead to 6-3.
The Tigers’ power was on full display in the fourth inning, highlighted by back-to-back solo home runs from Maddie Moore and Cintron. Cintron’s homer was her fourth of the season, giving Clemson a solid 8-3 advantage.
Clemson put the game away in the sixth inning, with Knowler delivering the final blow—a three-run home run, her first of the season. The shot pushed the score to 11-3, enforcing the NCAA’s run-rule and securing the victory for the Tigers.
Clemson’s pitching staff bounced back from a rough start to take control of the game. Starter Brook Melnychuk struggled, giving up three runs on four hits in only two-thirds of an inning before Reese Basinger (1-2) took over. The sophomore was exceptional in relief, throwing 5.1 scoreless innings, striking out nine batters, and allowing just two hits.
On the other side, Kennedy Kay (2-1) was charged with the loss for Ohio State, as he gave up six runs on five hits in just one inning. The Buckeyes’ bullpen then allowed five additional runs over the next four innings.
- Maddie Moore (Clemson): 3-for-4, solo home run, extended on-base streak to 26 games.
- Julia Knowler (Clemson): 5 RBIs, including a three-run walk-off home run.
- Ava Wilson (Clemson): 3-run home run in the first inning to shift momentum.
- Macey Cintron (Clemson): 2 RBIs, solo home run in the fourth.
- Reese Basinger (Clemson): 5.1 IP, 2 H, 9 K, 0 R.
With this victory, Clemson improves to 4-6 on the season. The Tigers will return home to McWhorter Stadium to face the Charlotte 49ers on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. This matchup marks the beginning of an 18-game homestand, providing Clemson an opportunity to build momentum on their home turf.
