No. 20 Clemson Outlasts No. 13 South Carolina in Nine-Inning Thriller

In a game defined by grit, defensive excellence, and razor-thin margins, No. 20 Clemson emerged victorious over No. 13 South Carolina with a narrow 2-1 win that showcased two of the nation’s top programs at their scrappiest. In front of a crowd that buzzed from first pitch to final out, both teams battled through nine innings of tension, never giving an inch, until a late-game breakthrough sealed the outcome.

Clemson’s pitching staff deserves the lion’s share of credit for the Tigers’ victory. Starter Brooke McCubbin set the tone early, dancing around trouble in the opening innings and keeping South Carolina’s bats quiet when it mattered most. McCubbin went 5.2 innings, giving up just one run and striking out five in a gutsy performance that gave the Tigers a chance to stay within striking distance. Behind her, Clemson’s bullpen was rock-solid, with Regan Spencer and Valerie Cagle combining to throw 3.1 scoreless innings of relief, keeping the Gamecocks off the board in critical moments.

South Carolina didn’t go quietly. The Gamecocks got on the board first in the top of the third, capitalizing on a throwing error that allowed the leadoff batter to reach. After a sacrifice bunt and a single to center, the Gamecocks were poised to strike. An RBI groundout by freshman standout Kennedy Howard plated the lone run for South Carolina, a small advantage that felt massive in a game where scoring was scarce.

Clemson responded in the fifth with small ball of their own. After a leadoff walk and a perfectly executed bunt single, the Tigers moved the tying run into scoring position. With two outs, senior outfielder McKenzie Clark roped a single down the right field line to bring the run home, tying the game at 1-1 and electrifying the Clemson faithful in attendance.

From there, the game transformed into a defensive masterclass.

Both teams turned double plays, made highlight-reel catches, and erased scoring chances with pinpoint throws. South Carolina’s shortstop, Maddie Gallagher, was a magnet for ground balls and showcased elite range and arm strength, while Clemson’s third baseman Alia Logoleo made a pair of diving stops that kept the Tigers’ hopes alive.

Despite a few opportunities for both sides in the sixth and seventh innings, neither team could break through. Clemson threatened in the bottom of the seventh with runners on first and second and two outs, but South Carolina reliever Rachel Vaughan induced a flyout to center to extend the game into extra innings.

South Carolina had its best chance to retake the lead in the top of the eighth. With two outs, a walk and a bloop single gave the Gamecocks life. Clemson’s Spencer then made perhaps her most important pitch of the night, freezing South Carolina’s cleanup hitter with a perfectly placed riseball on a 2-2 count, ending the threat and shifting momentum squarely in the Tigers’ favor.

That momentum carried into the ninth inning, where Clemson finally delivered the decisive blow. After Cagle drew a leadoff walk, a well-placed bunt and a wild pitch moved her to third base. With the game-winning run just 60 feet away, Clemson’s Caroline Jacobsen stepped to the plate with ice in her veins. She worked the count full, then lined a deep sacrifice fly to center field, easily scoring Cagle and setting off a celebration near home plate.

Cagle’s impact on the game extended far beyond scoring the winning run. She pitched the final 1.2 innings, keeping South Carolina off the scoreboard while also being the vocal leader in the dugout. Her presence—on the mound, at the plate, and in the field—continues to embody everything Clemson head coach John Rittman praises in his star players: toughness, leadership, and clutch performance.

With the win, Clemson improves to 36-12 on the season and adds another marquee victory to its postseason résumé. South Carolina, now 38-10, remains one of the most formidable teams in the country, but Tuesday’s result is a reminder of how slim the margins are at the highest level of college softball.

After the game, Rittman praised his team’s resilience. “That’s a championship-type ballgame,” he said. “Both teams were grinding, both teams had chances, and it really came down to executing the little things. Our girls showed heart tonight. I’m proud of how we stayed locked in and finished.”

South Carolina head coach Bev Smith echoed similar sentiments. “We made some plays, but we also left opportunities out there,” Smith said. “Clemson’s a great team. That’s why this rivalry matters—it brings out the best in both sides. We’ll learn from it and keep pushing forward.”

For Clemson, the victory comes at a critical juncture in the season. The Tigers have spent much of the year climbing back into national conversation after a few midseason stumbles. Wins like this—against a top-15 in-state rival—signal that they’re peaking at the right time. With the ACC Tournament looming, momentum is everything.

Meanwhile, South Carolina’s path remains strong despite the setback. Their pitching staff—highlighted by Vaughan and starter Alana Vawter—continues to be one of the best in the nation. They allowed just four hits all night, but the Tigers made those hits count. The Gamecocks will look to rebound quickly with a critical weekend SEC series ahead, one that will play a big role in determining their seeding for the postseason.

Both programs are likely NCAA Tournament locks, and a potential rematch down the road wouldn’t surprise anyone. If Tuesday night was any indication, fans would be lucky to see these two powerhouses clash again.

The atmosphere in the ballpark was another key element that made the night special. Fans from both schools filled the stands and made their voices heard all game long. Chants echoed with every pitch, and the tension in the late innings was almost unbearable. Rivalry games are about more than rankings—they’re about pride, and that was on full display in one of the most thrilling games of the season.

Though Clemson now owns bragging rights, both teams walk away better for the experience. The Tigers proved they can win close, gritty games under pressure, and the Gamecocks saw where they can sharpen the edges heading into tournament play.

If this was a preview of postseason softball, then buckle up—May and June are going to be electric.