In a closely contested battle, Clemson softball ultimately fell short against No. 14/16 Duke in a 2-1 loss during the rubber match of the weekend series. Senior Maddie Moore provided a highlight for the Tigers, launching her seventh home run of the season, but it was not enough to overcome the Blue Devils. This matchup, showcasing the intensity of ACC play, underscored Clemson’s determination and resilience, even in the face of defeat.
The game began as both teams exchanged solid defensive plays alongside the challenging atmosphere of ACC softball. Clemson started strong defensively, with senior right-hander Reese Basinger showcasing her skills on the mound. Basinger, who pitched the complete seven-inning contest, recorded four strikeouts and had a commendable performance despite being tagged with the loss, bringing her record to 6-3 for the season.
Duke struck first in the fourth inning with an impressive RBI triple down the right field line, taking a 1-0 lead. However, the Tigers responded swiftly. In the bottom half of the inning, Moore crushed a solo home run that sailed 251 feet to right field, knotting the game at 1-1 and igniting the enthusiasm of the home crowd.
The subsequent frames were a display of strategic pitching and key moments that defined the match. After a scoreless fifth, Duke attempted to build momentum in the sixth with back-to-back singles that placed additional pressure on the Tigers. Yet, Basinger stood firm, retiring the next three batters and stifling Duke’s efforts.
As the game unfolded into the seventh inning, the situation became increasingly tense. Duke found a way to reclaim the lead thanks to a combination of solid hitting and a crucial error from Clemson. A two-out single put a runner on first, and a passed ball advanced her to second. A throwing error then allowed the runner to cross home plate, pushing Duke ahead 2-1.
Clemson, known for its fighting spirit, showcased determination in the final moments of the game when freshman Sam Minish managed to single to left to lead off the seventh inning. With the potential to equalize, hope lingered in the air as the Tigers sought to capitalize on the opportunity. However, the final three batters were retired without further advancement, sealing the Tigers’ fate.
Head Coach John Rittman expressed pride in his team’s competitiveness throughout the matchup, despite the disappointment of the loss. “Touch loss today,” Rittman stated, adding, “I love the way our team competed. We hit a lot of balls hard right at people and not a lot to show for it.”
Looking ahead, Clemson will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for a three-game series against North Carolina next weekend. Rittman emphasized the importance of maintaining a growth mindset, particularly with an evolving squad filled with young talent. The Tigers are set to continue ACC play on Friday, March 14, at 6 p.m. on ACCNX, a crucial opportunity for them to rebound after this difficult encounter.
Clemson suffered a frustrating loss, the game certainly served as a testament to their resilience and ability to compete with top-ranked teams like Duke. Key players, particularly Moore and Basinger, will be pivotal as the team moves forward, and fans can expect to see a motivated Tigers squad eager to learn from this experience.
