CLEMSON — Clemson’s formula so far in its up-and-down season to this point is to fall behind early and then come back late to put itself in position to win.

On Wednesday, however, the 23rd-ranked Tigers took a different approach. They took a commanding early lead and then watched as Charlotte roared back midway through the game for an 8-3 victory at Sue M. Daughtridge Field in Charlotte, N.C.

The 49ers (9-2) rallied from a three-run deficit thanks to a six-run fourth inning, while handing Clemson its fifth loss in 11 games this year.

Down 3-0, Charlotte loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth inning with one out and drew a walk from second baseman Jaylah Jarrell to get on the board. Olivia Williams followed with a two-run single up the middle that tied the game, before Teagan Ritchie fielder’s choice to short scored Jarrell for the go-ahead-run.

Third baseman Jenna Lord put the exclamation on the comeback with a two-run blast to centerfield for a 6-3 lead. When the dust finally settled and the game moved on to the fifth inning, the 49ers scored six runs on four hits and one Clemson error in the fourth inning.

Clemson starter Sierra Maness was charged with the loss as she allowed all six runs (0 earned) on eight hits. Charlotte increased its lead to 8-3 thanks to a two-run homer from Lord in the bottom of the sixth inning. This time, Lord took it to right field off relief pitcher Keira Crosby.

The Tigers (6-5) took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning thanks to RBIs from Marian Collins and Sarah Breaux. Taylor Pipkins then scored pinch runner Kylee Johnson in the fourth to increase the lead to 3-0.

Jamison Brockenbrough led Clemson at the plate with a 2-for-4 effort that included two doubles. Pipkins went 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Mac Pavese also went 2-for-4 and had a double.

Lord led the 49ers with her two home runs and 4 RBIs on a 2-for-4 night, while Ritchie was 2-for-4 and drove in a run. London Dirks and Brelyn O’Hearn both went 2-for-3 at the plate.

FIRST LOSS

Clemson suffered its first ever loss to Charlotte. The Tigers won the first six meetings in the series.

CLEMSON CONNECTIONS

Charlotte head coach Courtney Breault was a member of the Clemson inaugural staff and with the program for five seasons before taking the role at Charlotte last year. Her staff, including Alyssa Bilodeau, Jake Combs and Bailey Taylor all had stints at Clemson either as a member of the Tigers’ staff or as a student-athlete (Taylor).

UP NEXT

Clemson hosts Lipscomb on Friday in the first game of the Clemson Classic at McWhorter Stadium in Clemson. First pitch is set for 12:30 p.m.