CLEMSON — Clemson kickstarted its play in the Tiger Invitational with an 11-3 win over Lafayette at McWhorter Stadium. The win marks the Tigers’ 200th win since its inaugural season in 2020.
It was also the Tigers’ eighth straight win overall.
Clemson’s bats stayed hot the entire game. The Tigers racked up 17 hits in six innings of play versus Lafayette.
Eight different players collected at least one hit in the Leopards’ takedown.
Julia Knowler powered the offense, driving in five runs, including a three-run blast—her seventh home run of the season. Alex Brown showcased her speed, going 2-for-4 with two bunt singles.
Maddie Moore was unstoppable at the plate, delivering a perfect 4-for-4 performance while scoring twice. Macey Cintron and Jamison Brockenbrough each chipped in an RBI to round out Clemson’s offensive surge.
Pitchers Olivia Duncan and Brook Melnychuk got the win for the Tigers. Duncan receiving her first start of the season, gave up three runs on seven hits through three innings. Melnychuk allowed no runs for the Tigers through three innings. She faced 17 batters and gave up four hits.
The Leopards’ leadoff batter started the game with a single up the middle. A triple down the third base line and a single to right allowed Lafayette to score two runs.
Wasting no time, the Tigers (11-6) struck back quickly with two scores. Brown ignited the first-inning rally with a well-placed bunt, forcing an errant throw over Lafayette’s first baseman. Moore followed with a single, setting the stage for Knowler, who ripped a hard-hit double to center, putting Clemson on the board.
Macy Cintron then delivered a sacrifice fly to center to tie the game at 2-2.
A 245-foot three-run shot by Knowler led a six-run second inning for Clemson. The Tigers collected eight hits, putting them up six runs against the Leopards.
The Leopards broke through in the third, plating a run after a sharp line drive glanced off shortstop Marian Collins’ glove, cutting the deficit to 8-3.
Clemson wasted no time responding in the bottom half. Knowler put a hard-hit ball on the first-base line, bringing Brockenbrough home to restore the Tigers’ five-run lead.
Moore racked up her fourth hit of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning with a liner to center field, scoring Brockenbrough making the game 10-3.
A sixth inning run rule was created when freshman Sam Minish drew a walk for the Tigers. With bases loaded and no outs, pinch hitter Haylee Whitesides flied out to centerfield allowing Johnson to score to end the game.
Up Next
Clemson will take on East Carolina next in the Tiger Invitational. The first pitch is slated for 3:30 at McWhorter Stadium.