CLEMSON — The eighth-ranked Clemson Tigers picked up their first ACC win (8-0) and loss (6-1) Saturday afternoon on the first day of a series against NC State.

After falling in the first game, Clemson proved its offensive power early in Game 2. Singles from McKenzie Clark, Maddie Moore, and Valerie Cagle powered the Tigers to a 3-0 lead after one inning of play. 

Clemson (12-4, 1-1 ACC) extended its lead to 5-0 with a pair of unearned runs courtesy of an Aby Vieira gap shot to right field in the third inning, and to 8-0 in the fourth thanks to a home run by shortstop Alia Logoleo.

The score held as the Tigers shut out the Wolfpack (14-3, 1-1 ACC) in Game 2.

The Tigers also struck first in the first game. Centerfielder Clark knocked in third baseman Alex Brown (3-6) after Brown’s triple put the Tigers in scoring position. 

After the RBI, Clemson’s offense went cold as NC State scored six runs off of five hits in the second inning. Three batters singled to left field three times in the second to bring in five RBIs.

Following the second inning, Clemson consistently made contact with the ball but failed to turn singles, doubles, and drawn walks into runs. The Tigers recorded seven hits to the Wolfpack’s six, but left eight baserunners stranded and opportunities wasted.

2023’s Collegiate Player of the Year Valerie Cagle was in the circle for Clemson in Game 2. Cagle allowed no runs and only one hit through five innings.

She helped herself in the circle by adding two singles on the day. Pitchers Brooke McCubbin and Millie Thompson split innings in the Tigers’ loss.

UP NEXT:

Clemson looks to win the series over NC State Sunday at McWhorter Stadium. The first pitch of the series finale is slated for noon.

Get your signed Valerie Cagle replica road sign today.  The nation’s top player has signed a limited number of these signs that have the same properties as a road sign.