CLEMSON – The Clemson Tigers dropped their second consecutive game to the No. 16 Duke Blue Devils Sunday 2-1 to fall in their first ACC series of the year.

While the Tigers (18-8, 1-2 ACC) notched six hits, including timely singles and a home run, they struggled to convert into offensive momentum.

Though Clemson and Duke were able to rack up some hits towards the end of the game, Sunday proved to be a showdown between starting pitchers Reese Basinger and Dani Drogemuller. 

Through the first five innings, both teams were limited to three hits and one run, courtesy of nine combined strikeouts and only two walks from the starters. Both veterans pitched complete games, and allowed only a combined three runs.

Clemson’s Basinger ended up allowing two runs on six hits with four strikeouts and one walk in seven innings. The only game she has pitched longer this season was on Feb. 21, when she allowed no runs to Villanova in eight innings of work. 

Though the pitching ultimately decided the game, timely hitting was crucial, as each run could take or tie a lead. After three scoreless innings for both clubs, Duke got on the board first when Blue Devils third baseman Thessa Malau’ulu tripled down the right field line to bump shortstop Ana Gold home. However, the Blue Devils failed to score Malau’ulu, leaving the score 1-0 as the Tigers came back to the plate.

Hitting was contagious at McWhorter Stadium Sunday because the Tigers immediately answered Duke’s first stab with a home run from second baseman Maddie Moore. Moore’s right field shot launched 250 feet into the parking lot for her sixth jack of the year. Two batters later, designated player Macey Cintron rocketed a two-out double to right field, but was left stranded to end the inning. 

Moore finished 2-of-3 on the day, with a single coming in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Blue Devils (17-7, 2-1 ACC) had home plate in their sights again in the top of the sixth inning when singles from Gold and shortstop Aminah Vega put runners on first and second with no outs. Basinger and the Tigers shut down the rally with three quick fly outs to sit down the third, fourth, and fifth Duke hitters.

One half-inning later, Duke repaid the favor of shutting down momentum by turning a double play to strand runners on first and second. 

In the top of the seventh, Blue Devils pinch runner Jada Baker singled and advanced to second. A throwing error knocked pinch runner Gabriella Mike in for the second Blue Devil run of the day.

Though right fielder Sam Minish singled with no outs in the seventh, Clemson was able to come up with a tying or winning run to walk off the game, resulting in a one-run loss.

Up Next

The Tigers will continue their fight against Tobacco Road schools next weekend when they host North Carolina for a home series. First pitch Friday is set for 6 p.m.