Game 1 Story:
The Clemson Tigers showcased their resilience and determination in a thrilling extra-innings victory against Notre Dame. Led by standout performances from Valerie Cagle, Lindsey Garcia, and Alex Brown, the Tigers secured an 8-5 win, extending their streak of seasons with 30 or more wins to four.
Late in the game, Clemson’s offense surged, with Brown, Clark, and Knowler delivering crucial hits to turn the tide in their favor. The Tigers managed to score four runs late in the game, propelled by timely hits and strategic baserunning. Garcia and Brown’s home runs in the 10th inning sealed the victory, highlighting the team’s offensive prowess.
Defensively, Clemson remained steadfast, thwarting Notre Dame’s scoring opportunities and showcasing resilience under pressure. The pitching rotation, led by Regan Spencer, Millie Thompson, and Brooke McCubbin, stifled Notre Dame’s lineup, contributing to the Tigers’ triumph.
This victory was a testament to the team’s collective effort, with various players contributing across the lineup. With the series-opening win secured, Clemson looks to maintain its winning momentum in the next game against Notre Dame.
Stats for Game 1:
- Final Score: Clemson Tigers 8, Notre Dame 5
- Key Offensive Contributors: Valerie Cagle, Lindsey Garcia, Alex Brown
- Notable Offensive Highlights: Garcia and Brown’s home runs in the 10th inning
- Defensive Performance: Clemson’s defense remained steadfast, thwarting Notre Dame’s scoring opportunities
- Pitching Rotation: Regan Spencer, Millie Thompson, Brooke McCubbin
Game 2 Story:
In a spectacular showdown against Notre Dame, the Clemson Tigers delivered an impressive 11-6 victory on Saturday afternoon. With a staggering 16 hits, Clemson asserted its dominance on the field, led by the offensive prowess of Alex Brown, Alia Logoleo, and Arielle Oda.
Clemson’s batting brilliance was on full display, as Brown, Logoleo, and Oda notched three hits each, adding to their impressive record of multi-hit games. Maddie Moore and McKenzie Clark also contributed with multi-hit performances, solidifying Clemson’s dominance at the plate.
The Tigers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, capitalizing on opportunities in the third inning to take an early lead. Despite Notre Dame’s attempts to seize momentum, Clemson remained resilient, staging a commanding rally in the seventh inning, scoring six runs off six hits.
Valerie Cagle’s commanding performance in the circle proved instrumental in Clemson’s victory, as she pitched her seventh complete game of the season, striking out six batters and only conceding one walk.
With the series now at 1-1, the Tigers look ahead to the final game against Notre Dame, aiming to close out the series with another commanding performance and reaffirm their status as a force in college softball.
Stats for Game 2:
- Final Score: Clemson Tigers 11, Notre Dame 6
- Key Offensive Contributors: Alex Brown, Alia Logoleo, Arielle Oda
- Notable Offensive Highlights: Maddie Moore’s two-run homer in the sixth inning, six runs scored in the top of the seventh inning
- Pitching Performance: Valerie Cagle pitched a complete game, striking out six batters
Game 3 Story:
In a hard-fought battle, the No. 21/20 Clemson Tigers battled back from a four-run deficit against Notre Dame, but ultimately dropped the series finale, 6-5. Despite their efforts, the Tigers fell short, moving to 31-15 (13-8 ACC), while Notre Dame improved to 24-20 (8-13 ACC).
Clemson displayed offensive firepower, finishing the game with 10 hits, marking the 11th time in 2024 that the Tigers tallied double-digit hits. Alex Brown, McKenzie Clark, and Alia Logoleo led the team with two hits each, with Brown and Clark both tallying RBIs and Logoleo scoring one run. Arielle Oda contributed three RBIs off one hit and one run scored.
Notre Dame struck early, capitalizing on opportunities in the bottom of the first inning with a three-run homer, taking a 4-0 lead after one inning.
Despite Clemson’s offensive efforts, leaving 11 runners stranded throughout the game, they made a push in the sixth inning. Logoleo singled and scored on Oda’s double, followed by RBIs from Brown and Clark, cutting Notre Dame’s lead to one, 4-3.
The Tigers continued their offensive momentum in the seventh inning, taking a 5-4 lead with clutch hits from Valerie Cagle, Lindsey Garcia, and JoJo Hyatt.
However, Notre Dame rallied in the bottom of the seventh, capitalizing on Clemson’s defensive errors to score two runs and secure the victory, 6-5.
Junior Brooke McCubbin started the game, pitching 1.1 innings, while Senior Regan Spencer entered in the second inning and pitched five innings. Millie Thompson closed the game in relief.
Despite the loss, the Tigers look ahead to conclude the regular season with a three-game series at Louisville. The series begins on Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. on ACCNX, with games continuing on Saturday, April 27 at 1 p.m., and concluding on Sunday, April 28 at noon.
Stats for Game 3:
- Final Score: Clemson Tigers 5, Notre Dame 6
- Offensive Leaders: Alex Brown, McKenzie Clark, Alia Logoleo, Arielle Oda
- Notable Offensive Highlights: Oda’s three RBIs, Brown and Clark’s RBIs in the sixth inning
- Pitching Performance: Brooke McCubbin, Regan Spencer, Millie Thompson
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