Game Recap: Softball | March 05, 2024

CLEMSON, S.C. – No. 8 Tennessee won an extra-innings pitcher’s duel Tuesday at No. 10 Clemson, knocking off the Tigers 2-1 at McWhorter Stadium.

The win marks Tennessee’s second consecutive victory over a top-10-ranked Clemson team, following last season’s 1-0 win over the then fifth-ranked Tigers.

Tied 1-1 in the ninth inning, junior newcomer Sophia Nugent hit a game-winning double off the wall in center that senior Rylie West raced around from first to score on – beating the throw to home as she slid in for the go-ahead run.

Sophomore Karlyn Pickens came out of the bullpen in the fourth inning and shut down the Tigers as she held them to three hits. The Weaverville, North Carolina, native tossed six innings with four strikeouts and two walks.

Pickens earned the win – her eighth of the year – and is 2-0 versus Clemson in her career.

Graduate Payton Gottshall got the start for UT and went three innings, allowing one run on three hits. She fanned two batters and walked one.

Clemson (13-5) started Valerie Cagle – the 2023 USA National Collegiate Player of the Year – in the circle. She went the distance for the Tigers with 10 strikeouts and three walks. She allowed two runs on five hits, suffering the loss and dropping to 6-3 in 2024.

Senior Kiki Milloy opened the scoring with a double to right in the third inning before the Tigers loaded the bases and answered back in the fourth inning, scoring on a wild pitch. Pickens was able to work out of the jam and limit the damage to just one run.

STAT OF THE DAY
Tennessee’s win is its first over a top-10 opponent since defeating No. 10 LSU on March 19 last season.

UP NEXT
Tennessee is back at home March 8-10 as it plays host to Ohio State, Missouri State and South Dakota in the Tennessee Invitational.