No. 19 Clemson Softball delivered a performance to remember on Saturday night, crushing Georgia Tech 19-0 in a game that will go down in program history. The blowout, played at Mewborn Field, marked Clemson’s largest shutout ever and tied their record for the biggest margin of victory. The win also pushed the Tigers to 40 victories for the season, a milestone they’ve now reached four times in the last five years.
Clemson’s Bats Set the Tone
From the moment the game started, Clemson’s offense was locked in. Freshman Macey Cintron led the charge with an impressive night, racking up four hits, including a double and a home run. She also drove in four runs, bringing her season total to 45 RBIs—tying the program’s freshman record set by Valerie Cagle in 2021.
Cintron wasn’t the only Tiger making noise. Freshman Marian Collins launched her 10th home run of the year with a three-run shot in the first inning, while senior Maddie Moore added to the fireworks with her 15th homer. Altogether, 12 Tigers crossed the plate, showcasing the depth and balance of Clemson’s lineup.
The team also set a new single-game record by drawing 11 walks. Alex Brown and Aby Vieira each earned three free passes, helping to keep the Georgia Tech pitchers on their heels throughout the game.
Breaking Records in the Opening Inning
Clemson wasted no time making a statement, scoring seven runs in the first inning alone. It started with back-to-back doubles from Julia Knowler and Cintron, each bringing a runner home. Knowler’s double, her 15th of the season, tied the team’s single-season record for doubles—a record that was soon broken when Moore hit her own double in the fourth inning.
Collins’ three-run homer capped off the explosive first inning, giving Clemson a 7-0 lead before Georgia Tech even had a chance to settle in.
Consistency Across All Five Innings
The Tigers kept their foot on the gas, adding a run in the second and five more in the third. Moore’s opposite-field home run in the third was a highlight, while Cintron and Taylor Pipkins kept the runs coming with clutch hits. Pipkins’ two-RBI single was a great example of Clemson capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
By the time the fourth inning rolled around, Clemson had already broken the game wide open. Cintron’s three-run homer, her 11th of the season, put an exclamation point on the Tigers’ offensive dominance.
Defense Locks It Down
While the offense stole the show, Clemson’s pitching and defense were equally impressive. Senior Brooke McCubbin got the start and delivered four solid innings, allowing just two hits and earning her 12th win of the season. Sophomore Olivia Duncan came in to close things out in the fifth, striking out three straight batters to seal the shutout.
A Memorable Night
This wasn’t just another win for Clemson—it was a team effort filled with milestone moments. Cintron’s home run moved her into second place all-time for freshman homers at Clemson, while the Tigers’ total of 88 doubles on the season set a new program record.
Clemson also showed how dangerous their lineup can be, with contributions coming from freshmen and seniors alike. Players like Riley Fennell and Sam Minish stepped up late in the game, adding hits and runs to keep the pressure on Georgia Tech.
What’s Next?
The Tigers will look to finish the regular season strong with the series finale against Georgia Tech on Sunday, April 27. First pitch is set for noon, and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
