Clemson softball looked to redeem itself on Saturday following its Friday loss to Virginia Tech, but was unable to pull off the win and lost 4-0.
Clemson pitcher Millie Thompson entered the circle to start for the Tigers and let up two runs in just the first inning.
Clemson first baseman Kyah Keller failed to secure a catch, allowing Hokies’ Kelsey Brown to score and Hokies’ Emma Ritter to advance to second. Ritter was able to score when Hokies’ Kelsey Bennett doubled to left center.
Meanwhile, the Hokies welcomed a new starting pitcher for the series, Emma Lemley. Lemley left the Tigers with no hits or runs earned in the first or second innings.
Virginia Tech had one hit in the second inning by Jayme Bailey, who delivered a single and stole second. Bailey attempted to steal home and was unable to slide, injuring Clemson catcher Aby Vieira who attempted to tag out Bailey in her run to home plate. Vieira was removed from the game.
In the third, Ritter was able to score once again for Virginia Tech by Bennett’s assist of a single to right field.
With a tough start, Clemson’s performance at bat mirrored its previous game against Virginia Tech.
Keller singled to center field, achieving the first hit of the game for Clemson. Ansley Houston came in to run for Keller at second and stole third while McKenzie Clark was at bat.
Lead hitter Sam Russ struck out in the first inning, but hit a single in the third.
Heading into the fourth, Thompson was relieved by Brooke McCubbin. Thompson threw two strikeouts for the game, but allowed seven hits and three runs in her three innings pitched.
McCubbin gave up one hit and a walk in the fourth.
She also walked Ritter in the fifth, who was able to run home when an error by Clemson catcher JoJo Hyatt failed to bring in a throw from Marissa Guimbarda in right field.
In the latter half of the inning, Clemson infielder Alia Logoleo grounded to left field, putting up another hit for Clemson.
McCubbin finished out the game, allowing one hit in both the sixth and seventh inning. She finished with a 1.12 earned run average (ERA) alongside her one strikeout and four total hits in her four innings.
At bat, Clark looked to get ahead in the sixth with a triple to right field. However, two strikeouts and a pop fly would end the penultimate inning.
In the seventh inning, the Tigers had no hits or runs. Clemson finished the game with only three hits.
The Tigers will face the Hokies in the final game of the three-game series on Sunday, March 6 at noon at McWhorter Stadium. The game can also be viewed on the ACC Network.
