The No. 24/21 Clemson Softball completed a three-game sweep of the NC State Wolfpack on Sunday afternoon with an 8–3 win at Dail Softball Stadium. The victory marks Clemson’s third ACC series sweep of the season and improves their record to 34–11 overall and 14–4 in conference play.
The game began with NC State taking an early lead as Michele Tarpey hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning. Clemson responded in the second when Taylor Pipkins delivered a sacrifice fly, scoring Marian Collins to tie the game at 1–1.
In the fourth inning, the Tigers’ offense ignited with back-to-back solo home runs from Pipkins and Alex Brown, pushing Clemson ahead 3–1. NC State narrowed the gap in the bottom half with a solo homer by Kendall Simmers, making it 3–2.
The Wolfpack tied the game at 3–3 in the fifth inning after a leadoff double and an RBI single. However, Clemson regained control in the sixth. Pipkins walked and advanced to third on a single by Brown, who then stole second. Jamison Brockenbrough reached on a fielder’s choice, and a throwing error allowed both Pipkins and Brown to score. Aby Vieira then doubled to center field, bringing in two more runs and extending the Tigers’ lead to 7–3.
In the seventh inning, Kylee Johnson added an insurance run with a solo home run to left field, sealing the 8–3 victory for Clemson.
Pitcher Reese Basinger earned her 14th win of the season and the 50th of her career, pitching five innings with four strikeouts and allowing four hits. Brooke McCubbin closed the game with two scoreless innings, recording one strikeout.
Clemson’s offense was led by multiple players: Brown, Brockenbrough, and Vieira each had two hits. Pipkins contributed two RBIs and scored twice, while Brown also scored two runs. Macey Cintron and Collins each drew two walks and scored a run.
With this sweep, Clemson strengthens its position in the ACC standings. The Tigers will return home to McWhorter Stadium for the final four home games of the regular season, starting with a matchup against South Carolina on Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m
