Moore’s Big Day Powers Clemson Past NC State in Game Two

Maddie Moore now holds Clemson's all time stolen base record. (Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

No. 21 Clemson Softball took on NC State in game two of their weekend series. The Tigers' offense exploded yesterday, winning via run-rule, 17-3 over the Wolfpack. In the center circle today, Brooke McCubbin got the start for Clemson, opposing Wynne Gore. The game came down to the wire, but the Tigers were able to come out on top.

Alex Brown Gives Early Action

After building a 3-2 count, leadoff hitter Alex Brown got her third home run of the season. This let the Tigers take an early 1-0 lead. The home run also marked Gore’s third homer allowed in her last three outings.

This was the only efficient offense from either team early. McCubbin picked up two quick strikeouts to send down the top of NC State’s lineup. The defensive errors from yesterday were fixed on both sides, with the infields making quick work of any groundballs.

Clemson got the bases loaded in the top of the third. Jamison Brockenbrough had a leadoff single. Brown successfully bunted to reach first and advance Brockenbrough. A fielder’s choice put runners on the corners before Julia Knowler was walked to put all three runners on. This pressure led NC State to bring in Carly Maxton. The sophomore right-hander worked out of the jam, getting a groundball double play.

Freshman Continues to Impress

Taylor Pipkins has been getting the start recently in right field. The freshman has displayed her promising future with the program. In game one of the series, she hit her first collegiate home run. Today, her RBI single in the fourth tacked on another run for Clemson. Beyond just her hitting, Pipkins’ smart and speedy base running allowed her to steal second. The young talent provided a spark for the Tigers as they would eventually load the bases again. However, all the runners would ultimately be left stranded.

Wolfpack Ties It Up

McCubbin walked the leadoff hitter in the fourth inning. Off a full count, Hannah Church sent one over the center field wall. The two-run homer would tie the game. NC State’s hope was alive. Another hitter was walked before Taryn Massey grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Fifth Inning, Two-Out Rallies

After two walked hitters and a Vieira double, the bases were loaded once again for Clemson. This time, though, they were able to capitalize. With two outs, Pipkins was patient in her at-bat. She was rewarded with earning the team's fifth walk and another RBI.

NC State responded quickly. Despite picking up two quick outs, McCubbin would struggle the rest of the inning. Four consecutive hits allowed the Wolfpack to gain their first lead of the game, 4-3.

Home Run Party

In the sixth, Brown was walked, bringing up Maddie Moore. Off a 1-2 count, she hit a two-run home run, putting the Tigers back on top. Her hard hitting wouldn’t stop there. In her next at-bat, she sailed one to center field, this time for three runs. The senior second baseman’s powerful hitting gave Clemson a four-run lead.

The Wolfpack would not back down. Basinger entered the game for McCubbin. She would be facing the top of NC State’s lineup in the bottom of the seventh. Kendall Simmers hit a two-run home run. Next up, Church hit her second homer of the day, putting NC State down by only one. Basinger continued to struggle, walking the next batter and allowing a single to put the go-ahead run on base. McCubbin came back in to finish the game.

Tigers Take the Series in Two

Despite late hope from NC State, Moore’s bombs led Clemson to an 8-7 victory. With this series win, Clemson moves to a 33-11 record, posting a 13-4 ACC mark. McCubbin would record the win, picking up 4 strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched. Clemson will take on NC State again tomorrow at 1 p.m.