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Clemson softball couldn’t carry over its momentum from the series opener, as No. 11 Virginia Tech responded with a 9-1 run-rule win in five innings on Friday in Blacksburg, setting up a decisive Game 3 on Saturday night.
The Hokies wasted little time grabbing control. They pushed across single runs in each of the first two innings, then broke things open in the third when Michelle Chatfield launched a three-run homer to left. That swing gave Virginia Tech a 5-0 cushion and ended the day early for Clemson starter Abby Dunning, who was charged with five earned runs on six hits.
At the plate, Clemson struggled to find any rhythm against Bree Carrico. After scoring four runs in the series opener, the Tigers managed just three hits in Game 2, all coming in the fifth inning. Carrico worked all five frames to stay unbeaten, keeping Clemson off balance throughout.
There were a few missed chances early. Marian Collins and Corri Hicks each drew two-out walks in the second inning, but the threat fizzled with a strikeout. In the fourth, Macey Cintron reached and advanced into scoring position, yet Clemson again came up empty.
The Tigers finally got on the board in the fifth when Taylor Pipkins sent a solo shot over the left-field wall, trimming the deficit to 5-1. Clemson then loaded the bases with two outs, bringing the tying run to the plate, but Carrico forced a flyout to end the rally.
Any hope of extending the game disappeared quickly. Virginia Tech answered in the bottom half with a solo homer from Kylie Aldridge, then added more damage with a two-run double and a bases-loaded walk to trigger the run rule.
With the series now even, Clemson heads into Saturday’s 6 p.m. matchup looking to regroup and secure the road series.
Contact/follow us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook, for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson softball loses Game 2 of series to Virginia Tech by run-rule
Continue reading...
The Hokies wasted little time grabbing control. They pushed across single runs in each of the first two innings, then broke things open in the third when Michelle Chatfield launched a three-run homer to left. That swing gave Virginia Tech a 5-0 cushion and ended the day early for Clemson starter Abby Dunning, who was charged with five earned runs on six hits.
At the plate, Clemson struggled to find any rhythm against Bree Carrico. After scoring four runs in the series opener, the Tigers managed just three hits in Game 2, all coming in the fifth inning. Carrico worked all five frames to stay unbeaten, keeping Clemson off balance throughout.
There were a few missed chances early. Marian Collins and Corri Hicks each drew two-out walks in the second inning, but the threat fizzled with a strikeout. In the fourth, Macey Cintron reached and advanced into scoring position, yet Clemson again came up empty.
The Tigers finally got on the board in the fifth when Taylor Pipkins sent a solo shot over the left-field wall, trimming the deficit to 5-1. Clemson then loaded the bases with two outs, bringing the tying run to the plate, but Carrico forced a flyout to end the rally.
Any hope of extending the game disappeared quickly. Virginia Tech answered in the bottom half with a solo homer from Kylie Aldridge, then added more damage with a two-run double and a bases-loaded walk to trigger the run rule.
With the series now even, Clemson heads into Saturday’s 6 p.m. matchup looking to regroup and secure the road series.
Contact/follow us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook, for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson softball loses Game 2 of series to Virginia Tech by run-rule
Continue reading...
