Clemson Softball Sweeps NC State

Reese Basinger pitches during a Clemson win over Marshall earlier in the season. (Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

To wrap up the weekend series, Reese Basinger got the start for Clemson against Carly Maxton for NC State. Clemson won the previous two games with offensive explosions combining for 25 runs. The Wolfpack had hope late in the seventh inning of last night's contest with back-to-back home runs but would ultimately lose 8-7. Bring out your broom for some Sunday softball in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Round-off celebrations 

NC State wasted no time continuing the home-run party that this series has been. Michele Tarpey blasted Basinger’s second pitch of the game out of the ballpark. After coming through home plate, Tarpey celebrated by doing an acrobatic roundoff before celebrating with her teammates. The Wolfpack bench was buzzing with excitement.

Clemson would tie the game the next inning off a sacrifice fly from Taylor Pipkins. The freshman has made her presence known in the last few games. In her next at bat, she hit a solo home run. Alex Brown immediately followed with a bomb of her own to put the Tigers in front by two. 

Basinger battles back 

After allowing the early deep shot, Basinger took control in the center circle. She hit her spots retiring the next 10 batters. The senior right-hander dished out her experience, collecting four strikeouts. Kendall Simmers would get NC State’s second hit of the game, another solo home run. 

Clemson takes advantage of defensive error 

The Wolfpack tied the game at three in the fifth. Later in the sixth, Pipkins was walked to get on base. She advanced to third of a single from Brown. A costly error by third baseman Taryn Massey on the throw home allowed both runners to score. The rally wouldn’t stop there. Abby Vieira’s double earned her a two-run RBI. Clemson’s lead was now 4. 

McCubbin takes over to close out the game

Brooke McCubbin came in to replace Basinger at the start of the sixth. Basinger finished the game with a 3.01 ERA and four strikeouts. McCubbin picked up two quick outs before Hannah Church got a single. The infield would clean up the ground ball to close the inning. NC State went three up, three down in the seventh to officially end the weekend. 

Tigers returning home 

Another solo shot from Kylee Johnson solidified Clemson’s 8-3 victory and series sweep. It was an exciting weekend that saw 14 balls leave the stadium between both teams. Clemson's bats were on a roll and quality pitching from McCubbin kept the Wolfpack in check.

Clemson will finally return home to McWhorter Stadium to take on in-state rival South Carolina on Tuesday. Come out to support your Tigers as they look to avenge their 6-0 loss to the Gamecocks previously this season.