CLEMSON — Clemson Softball won its seventh straight ACC game to complete its second consecutive sweep in league play, as it beat California, 14-4, Saturday in the second game of a day-night-doubleheader at McWhorter Stadium.
The Tigers (27-10, 9-3 ACC) rallied to win the first game on Saturday, 2-1, to clinch the series and then completed the sweep with their run-rule-victory in Game 3 of the weekend series. Julia Knowler’s three-run home run to left centerfield in the bottom of the fifth inning ended the game.
Clemson has now won 24 of its last 28 games. During its seven game conference win streak, Clemson has outscored its opposition 64-11.
Knowler finished the night 2-for-3 with two home runs and 4 RBIs. She also blasted a solo home run in Clemson’s 10-run first inning.
The Tigers hit three home runs in the first inning to seize control of the game, including home runs from Aby Vieira, Maddie Moore and Knowler. Vieira’s home run, a three-run shot to rightfield, gave Clemson a 4-0 lead.
Moore’s home run was also a three-run bomb, which gave the Tigers a 9-0 lead at the time. Knowler followed Moore’s homer with a blast to the same spot where Moore homered.
Cal (25-10, 6-6 ACC) scored three runs in the second inning and added a solo run in the fourth inning to cut into the Tigers’ lead. However, Clemson went up 11-4 in the bottom part of the fourth inning, as Kylee Johnson picked up an RBI by scoring Kennedy Ariail from third base on a grounder to second.
Clemson finished the night with 13 hits.
Macey Cintron (6-2) came on in relief of starter Reese Basinger to earn the win. The freshman pitched three scoreless innings and allowed two hits and struck out two.
The Tigers, who are currently in third place in the ACC standings, will host Gardner-Webb Tuesday at McWhorter Stadium. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.