Seventeenth-ranked Clemson defeated Illinois 3-1 Saturday afternoon at McWhorter Stadium in Clemson in their first of two meetings this weekend with the Illini in the Tiger Invitational. It all came down to a big first inning for the Tigers, who scored a quick two runs thanks to a two-RBI single by infielder Cammy Pereira.
Following today’s win, the Tigers are now 7-0 in games where they score in the first inning and have scored 18 runs in the first so far in 2022.
Clemson ace Valerie Cagle earns the win in the circle, throwing a complete game and improving to 6-4 on the season. Left-hander Tori McQueen suffers the loss for Illinois.
The Tigers got on the board quickly in the first inning. With bases loaded, Periera hit a two-RBI single to left field, bringing in McKenzie Clark and Sam Russ to give the Tigers the 2-0 lead after one.
Clemson struck yet again in the fourth. With a runner at second, infielder Kyah Keller came in clutch with an RBI single to left center to extend the Tiger’s lead to 3-0.
Illinois chipped away at Clemson’s lead in the fifth, scoring a run off of an RBI single by Illini right-fielder Danielle Davis, but it proved to not be enough. Clemson outlasted Illinois with a final score of 3-1.
With the win over the Illini, Clemson improves to 14-6 on the season.
Clemson resumes play in the Tiger Invitational Sunday, March 13, with games against Illinois and Liberty at McWhorter Stadium in Clemson. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. respectively on ACCNX.
