BLACKSBURG, Va. - The Clemson Tigers fell to No. 11/12 Virginia Tech on Friday evening, 9-1, in five innings. With the loss, Clemson fell to 25-14 (7-7 ACC), while Virginia Tech improved to 32-5 (8-3 ACC).
The Hokies scored one run in both the first and second. In the first, they manufactured a run after getting into a rundown on a double steal attempt. The Tigers got the runner attempting to take second in a rundown but not before the runner scored from third. In the second, the Hokies clocked a single, a walk and an RBI single to extend the lead to 2-0.
A three-run homer by Virginia Tech in the third with only one out pushed the Hokies’ advantage to 5-0. Clemson turned to relief pitcher Keira Crosby to get the Tigers out of the inning with a strikeout to force VT to leave two stranded. Crosby replaced Clemson’s starter Abby Dunning (6-7), who went 2.1 innings in the loss.
Clemson made a push in the top of the fifth after Taylor Pipkins broke open VT’s no-hitter with a solo home run out of left field with two outs. It was her second of the season and provided a spark to Clemson’s offense that had Jamison Brockenbrough and Kiley Channell following with back-to-back singles. Mac Pavese loaded the bases with a four-pitch walk, but the Tigers left them stranded to end the inning.
Virginia Tech got the run back in the bottom of the fifth with a solo home run with one out. The Tigers brought in freshman Lexie Hames in relief, who faced two batters before Clemson turned to freshman Maddie Johnson who faced four batters before Virginia Tech closed out the game, 9-1.
Up Next
The Tigers conclude the series against the Hokies on Saturday, April 4 at 6 p.m. on ACC Network.