ATHENS, Ga.– Staring down the face of postseason elimination, Clemson second baseman Marian Collins launched three doubles to keep the Tigers’ hopes alive in a 3-1 win over the College of Charleston at the Athens (Georgia) Regional at Jack Turner Stadium Saturday.

With a 1-1 tie in the fifth, the Cougars put runners on first and third, threatening to take a lead, but two outs from pitcher Macey Cintron changed the momentum for the Tigers.

As Clemson fans got back into the game with Cintron’s performance in the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers’ offense resurrected after a three-game losing streak, with two doubles and a sacrifice fly to plate a winning and insurance run.

Collins, the owner of go-ahead blast, doubled in each at-bat, setting a career high in doubles in one game and moving up to No. 6 on Clemson’s (33-21) all-time doubles list. The sophomore batted in two of the Tigers’ three runs, and notched her sixth triple-hit performance of the season.

Cintron got the win in the circle, striking out one and giving up no runs in 1.2 innings pitched. She improved her record to 5-0 on the year. Abby Dunning, Clemson’s starter Friday, got the save, getting the last three outs in the seventh to keep the Tigers in the Peach State.

With the win, the Tigers kept their Regional Championship hopes alive, and will play 30 minutes after the victory against UNC Greensboro (43-18) with hopes of advancing to the championship round Sunday. With the victory, Clemson improves to 2-0 in all meetings with Charleston (30-30) by a margin of 10-1.

Clemson left five runners on base to Charleston’s eight, though striking out only two times to the Cougars’ seven. However, Charleston stole three bases, while Clemson did not steal any.

In the circle, right-hander Lexie Hames got her sixth start of the season, throwing four innings of one-run ball. The freshman walked three, allowed two hits, and struck out six. The appearance marked Hames’ third time this season in the circle for more than three frames. 

After a game start at 3:36 p.m., Clemson’s first two hitters were retired by 3:37, as three pitches sat down Jamison Brockenbrough and Kiley Channell. However, first baseman Mac Pavese extended the Tigers’ frame with a single to right, and Macey Cintron kept it going by drawing a walk.

Next up, Marian Collins scored Clemson’s first run in nearly two weeks with a double to center field, sending Pavese home to conclude the two-out rally.

After holding the Cougars scoreless in the bottom of the frame, Clemson took a lead to the second inning for the first time since April 21.

The Tigers threatened again in the top of the fourth, as Collins blasted another double, this time as the leadoff hitter. Sarah Breaux moved her over to third on a sacrifice bunt, but a fly out and pop up quickly left Clemson’s double leader stranded.

Hames only allowed two base runners through her first three innings, but opened the fourth by allowing a leadoff single to the Cougars. She walked the next batter, struck out two, and gave up a two-out single to score a run. 

Sierra Maness, historically the Tigers’ ace this season, relieved her in the fifth, but gave up two hits and had a long conversation with Clemson’s trainer regarding a potential injury. Macey Cintron came in with runners on first and third and got two quality outs to hold the score.

First baseman Mac Pavese doubled to leadoff the sixth, Cintron reached on an error, and Collins sent her home with her third double of the afternoon. A sacrifice fly from catcher Corri Hicks sent another runner home for the final 3-1 score.

Clemson put two more on base in the seventh, but could not bring them home. Dunning got her second save of the year with three outs in the seventh.

The Tigers have now won at least one Regional game in each eligible year of program history, dating back to 2021.

Up Next

Clemson fans will not have to wait long to see their team back in action Saturday, as the Tigers will be back in action shortly after their win against UNC Greensboro, which bested Clemson 1-0 Friday. First pitch is set for 35 minutes after the first game concludes.