Following ten straight wins in a row the Tigers were looking to extend this streak in their first game of the series against the Fighting Irish on Thursday in McWhorter Stadium. Notre Dame came into the game 30-7, while the Tigers came in 30-10 following their win against South Carolina on Tuesday.
Righthander Valerie Cagle (12-7) got the start in the circle for the Tigers Thursday. Cagle had a total of 6 strikeouts and only allowed 2 runs in the game. This win brought the Tigers record to 31-10 and was Valerie Cagles 50th career win in the circle.
It was a fast start for the Fighting Irish when first base Karina Gaskins hit a single to centerfield, and following a throwing error made by Cammy Pereia , Emma Clark of was able to put the Irish on the board. Shortly after, Abby Sweet stole home unearned to give Notre Dame a 2-0 lead in the top of the first.
The Tigers answered quickly after Cagle flied out to leftfield for an RBI that advanced secondbasemen Cammy Pereira home, narrowing the Irish’s lead to 1.
Following a quick first inning there was a strong pitching dual between Valeria Cagle and right-hander Payton Tidd of the Fighting Irish. There were no runs allowed in the next 3 innings for either team.
In the bottom of the 5th, Valerie Cagle stepped up at bat with the bases loaded and flied out to centerfield. This was a huge missed opportunity to give Clemson a substantial lead heading into the 6th inning, and instead the Tigers went into the 6th inning still down by one to Notre Dame.
Following six inning of no runs in the bottom of the 7th, Clark singled to right field that advanced Arielle Oda home to tie the game 2-2. Then Cagle was reached on a fielderchoice hit that advanced Jaden Cheek home to give the Tigers a walkoff win.
Both teams had strong defense performances as the Tigers only allowed 6 total hits, and Notre Dame allowed 7 hits. The teams are set to face again Friday at 6pm in McWhorter Stadium.