CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson softball team continued their red-hot streak on Saturday afternoon, overpowering Indiana 11-5 at McWhorter Stadium to claim their 10th consecutive victory. Behind explosive offensive performances from seniors Aby Vieira and Maddie Moore, the Tigers showcased their depth and resilience, fending off multiple Hoosier rallies to secure a statement win. With the victory, Clemson improved to 13-6 on the season, while Indiana fell to 12-4.
This win marks Clemson’s first double-digit winning streak since the program’s 23-game surge in 2023. A combination of timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and strong pitching allowed the Tigers to maintain control throughout the game. Moore’s three-RBI day, which included a towering home run, and Vieira’s four-hit masterclass propelled Clemson’s offense to one of its most productive outings of the season.
As the Tigers prepare to conclude the Tiger Invitational with a rematch against Indiana, the team’s offensive firepower and growing confidence indicate that this squad is beginning to hit its stride.
Early Offensive Fireworks Set the Tone
Clemson wasted no time asserting itself at the plate, setting the tone in the first inning. Senior Alex Brown led off with a walk, immediately putting pressure on Indiana’s defense. Moore followed with a double to put two runners in scoring position before a walk to Macey Cintron loaded the bases with no outs. Freshman Sam Minish then delivered a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Brown to cross the plate and giving the Tigers an early 1-0 lead.
However, Indiana showed its resilience, responding with a run of its own in the top of the second to briefly even the score. The Hoosiers capitalized on a well-placed single and aggressive baserunning to put Clemson on notice. But any momentum Indiana gained was quickly erased by the Tigers’ explosive bottom half of the inning.
Brown got things rolling once again with an RBI single, driving in the go-ahead run. Then, Moore, already a catalyst at the plate, delivered the game’s first major highlight. She launched a two-run homer down the left-field line, sending the Clemson faithful into a frenzy. The blast, her fourth of the season, traveled 215 feet and reinforced the Tigers’ ability to produce runs in bunches. By the time the inning concluded, Clemson had reasserted control with a 4-1 lead.
Clemson’s Offense Stays Relentless Amid Indiana’s Fightback
Despite Clemson’s early offensive outburst, Indiana refused to go away. The Hoosiers plated two runs in the top of the third, narrowing the deficit to 4-3 and applying pressure on the Tigers’ pitching staff. But just as Indiana threatened to shift the game’s momentum, Clemson answered with its most decisive inning yet.
The bottom of the third saw back-to-back doubles from Minish and freshman Ava Wilson, setting the table for another offensive eruption. Vieira, already enjoying a stellar day at the plate, came through with an RBI single to extend the lead. What followed was a relentless barrage from Clemson’s lineup. Over the next four at-bats, the Tigers tallied three more runs, effectively blowing the game open and heading into the fourth with a commanding 8-3 advantage.
Indiana managed to scratch across a run in the fourth, but Clemson’s offense once again responded. Vieira added another RBI double in the bottom of the inning, increasing her total to three RBIs on the day. By the end of the fifth, the Tigers had established a 9-4 lead, making it clear that Indiana’s comeback hopes were fading fast.
Closing It Out: Defense and Pitching Hold Firm
While Clemson’s offense did most of the heavy lifting, the Tigers’ pitching duo of Reese Basinger and Macey Cintron played a crucial role in keeping Indiana at bay. Basinger, making her seventh start of the season, delivered a solid outing. She pitched five innings, allowing four runs while striking out two to earn her fourth win of the year. Though Indiana was able to capitalize on a few scoring opportunities, Basinger worked efficiently, limiting damage and maintaining Clemson’s advantage.
Cintron took over in the sixth and closed the door on any potential late-game drama. She faced just seven batters over two innings, allowing a single run via a sacrifice fly but otherwise shutting down the Hoosier offense. Indiana managed a solo home run in the top of the seventh, but by then, the outcome was well in hand.
The final score of 11-5 was a testament to Clemson’s ability to generate offense from multiple spots in the lineup while maintaining composure in key defensive moments. Every player who recorded a hit also scored at least one run, demonstrating the team’s balanced and dynamic approach.
What’s Next for the Tigers and Hoosiers?
With the win, Clemson extends its winning streak to 10 games, signaling that the Tigers are rounding into form as they prepare for the heart of their schedule. The offense, anchored by veterans like Vieira and Moore, continues to produce at a high level, while the pitching staff is finding its rhythm. As the team eyes its rematch against Indiana in the final game of the Tiger Invitational, the focus will be on maintaining consistency and extending the streak to 11.
Indiana, despite the loss, remains a formidable opponent. The Hoosiers have shown the ability to compete against high-caliber teams and will be eager for a shot at redemption in Sunday’s game. If they can tighten up their pitching and avoid the big innings that doomed them in this matchup, they could pose a tougher challenge in the rematch.
For Clemson, this stretch of dominant play bodes well for the future. If the Tigers continue to build on this momentum, they could find themselves well-positioned for a deep run as conference play approaches. The key will be sustaining their offensive production while refining their pitching performances against top-tier opponents.
With Sunday’s game on the horizon and ACC play looming, the Tigers have a golden opportunity to keep their streak alive and make a strong statement moving forward.
