The final game of the ACC series between the Tigers and the Seminoles was a battle of right-handed pitchers, with Seminole junior Allison Royalty coming out on top in a 3-2 comeback victory for Florida State.
The Tigers started strong, but ultimately defense let up one too many runs. Junior pitcher Valerie Cagle hit a single to send teammate McKenzie Clark home and give Clemson the 1-0 lead at the end of the first inning, which also resulted in Florida State’s first error of the game.
The Seminoles quickly caught up, however, getting a run of their own from sophomore Michaela Edenfield in the top of the second. No runs were scored in the third inning.
In a bizarre play in the bottom of the fourth, junior shortstop Alia Logoleo was up to bat with senior Caroline Jacobsen already on first. Jacobsen had tried to steal a base and was returning to first after the failed attempt when Florida State’s catcher attempted to throw the ball to senior Seminole Mack Leonard on first base.
In what would be their second error of the game, the ball was overthrown, allowing Jacobsen to come home and return the lead to the Tigers.
Clemson held onto the lead until the top of the fifth when, with bases loaded, Florida State sent junior outfielder Kaley Mudge home and tied up the game at 2-2.
With a runner now on second and third, the Seminoles sent one more across the plate, with Clemson catcher Aby Vieira tagging out the Seminoles’ Katie Dack to prevent another score. Still, Florida State now took a 3-2 lead, which was ultimately the final score of the game.
The Tigers failed to score in the bottom of the fifth inning, and the Seminoles were held scoreless in the sixth and seventh inning as well.
The Tigers had a glimmer of hope in the bottom of the seventh to make a comeback; however, the first two batters got out, leaving the game in the hands of Clark. She was able to get to first, but her risky attempt to get to second base ultimately got her out and ended the series ender for the Tigers.
Clemson head coach John Rittman is proud of her effort, however, saying he will never discourage “aggressive base running.”
The series ended in a sweep, with Florida State taking all three games.
Clemson will be back in action to play South Carolina in Columbia on Tuesday, April 11, at 6 p.m. EDT.
