CLEMSON, S.C. – No. 24 Clemson secured the weekend series against Louisville with a 4-0 shutout victory on Saturday afternoon at McWhorter Stadium, marking the Tigers’ ninth shutout win of the season. Sophomore Corri Hicks powered the offense with her team-leading sixth home run of the year, helping Clemson move to 19-8 overall and 4-1 in ACC play. Louisville dropped to 19-7 on the season and 2-3 in conference action.
Clemson finished with eight hits, highlighted by a perfect afternoon at the plate from sophomore Marian Collins. Collins went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, leading a balanced offensive effort. Kylee Johnson and Jamison Brockenbrough also crossed the plate for the Tigers.
The Tigers wasted little time getting on the board. Jamison Brockenbrough opened the bottom of the first with a bunt single and later advanced into scoring position after Mac Pavese singled. Collins delivered the early breakthrough, lining a base hit into left-center field that brought Brockenbrough home for a 1-0 Clemson lead after one inning.
Louisville threatened several times early, placing runners on base in each of the first three innings. Clemson pitcher Abby Dunning and the Tigers’ defense managed to escape each jam. Dunning recorded a key strikeout to close the first inning, while the second inning featured a defensive highlight when Brockenbrough made a catch in center field and connected with Collins at second base to double off a runner who failed to tag up. In the third, Dunning worked out of a bases-loaded situation with a full-count strikeout followed by an infield pop up to end the threat.
Clemson added to its lead in the second inning when Kylee Johnson singled and eventually moved to third after a stolen base and wild pitch. Brockenbrough lifted a sacrifice fly to bring Johnson home, extending the Tigers’ advantage to 2-0. The Tigers created more separation in the third inning. After Collins reached base with a single, Corri Hicks drove a two-run home run 221 feet, pushing Clemson’s lead to 4-0. The blast proved to be the final scoring play of the afternoon.
Dunning delivered a strong performance in the circle, earning her sixth win of the season. The right-hander tossed her third complete game of the year and struck out six batters while keeping Louisville off the scoreboard.
Up Next
Clemson will look to complete the series sweep against Louisville on Sunday, March 15, with first pitch scheduled for noon on ACCNX.
