CLEMSON — The Clemson Tigers wasted no time asserting their dominance over Gardner-Webb, cruising to an 11-3 run-rule victory in a swift midweek matchup at McWhorter Stadium on Tuesday.

The win marks the Tigers’ 20th home win of the season, reinforcing their stronghold at McWhorter Stadium as they continue their impressive season.

Clemson’s offense exploded early, as three different pitchers were unable to stop the Tigers’ offense.

The Tigers (27-11) took control at the plate, collecting 11 hits and 11 runs in just four and a half innings of action. Eight Tigers made contributions to the offensive onslaught.

Marian Collins and Ava Wilson each notched two hits, including a home run, while Maddie Moore added a pair of singles to the stat sheet.

Brooke McCubbin set the tone early, retiring the Runnin’ Bulldogs (16-23) in order in the first inning. She delivered a solid outing, recording three strikeouts while allowing three hits and two runs.

Olivia Duncan took over in the circle to start the third, keeping Gardner-Webb in check by surrendering only two hits over two scoreless innings. Brooke Melnychuk entered in the fifth to close out the game. Melnychuk struggled giving up three hits but also secured the win for her team.

Leadoff hitter Alex Brown set the tone for the Tigers with a stand-up line-drive triple to open the game. With two on, Julia Knowler delivered a clutch hit over the second baseman’s head, driving in two runs to put Clemson on the board.

Aby Vieira kept the momentum rolling with a no-out double into the left-center gap, bringing in another run and forcing an early pitching change for Gardner-Webb. Collins extended the lead to 5-0 with a sharp liner to the outfield.

Wilson followed with a double, and a fielder’s choice brought home another run, capping off a dominant first inning for the Tigers.

Gardner-Webb wasted no time responding in the top of the second. A leadoff single to right by Ella Christopher, followed by a gap shot from Alli Stidham, put two runners on. Carmen McRae then delivered a clutch single, driving in both runs and cutting Clemson’s lead to four.

Moore led off the second with a base hit up the middle, sparking Clemson’s push to extend its lead. Collins followed with a three-run blast, making it 9-0. Kylee Johnson added a triple off the wall, allowing Wilson to cap off the inning with a two-run homer to left. The Tigers’ offensive outburst forced Gardner-Webb to make another pitching change.

Gardner-Webb took advantage in the top of the fifth, adding three hits and a run to the board to make the score 11-3.

Up Next

The Tigers will travel to the West Coast and take on Stanford in a three-game ACC series. The first game is slated for 9 p.m. ET on Friday.