UNC softball outlasts Clemson, 6-3, in first program win over the Tigers

The North Carolina women’s softball team (23-5, 3-1 ACC) dominated Clemson (19-9, 2-2 ACC), 6-3, on Saturday afternoon at McWhorter Stadium. 

The Tar Heels dominated for all seven innings from the mound to the outfield. First-year pitcher Lilly Parrish had a solid performance, denying the Tigers any chance of a comeback and pushing UNC to its first win over Clemson in program history.

North Carolina had a rocky start in its rematch against the Tigers Saturday. Left fielder Lexie Roberts and second baseman Kat Rodriguez started off strong with two base hits. However, solid defense from Clemson left North Carolina scoreless. 

Despite a poor offensive performance, the Tar Heels were quick to flex their defensive muscles. After two plays — one being an foul catch from graduate shortstop Grace Jackson, and a catch over the fence from center fielder Sanaa Thompson, UNC rounded out the scoreless inning. 

The top of the second started off with a bang after graduate designated player Kiannah Pierce homered to center field. The Tigers tried to shift the momentum with a quick out, but a deep homer from graduate third baseman Shelby Barbee put the Tar Heels up 2-0. 

Two solid hits and a bunt from the Tigers put Clemson in a strong offensive position to start the bottom of the second. Senior right-handed pitcher Britton Rogers had a huge punchout for the Tar Heels. With the bases loaded, Clemson stayed hopeful. But Rogers did not give up, holding on to allow the Tar Heels to escape the inning with their 2 run lead intact.

Looking to advance their lead, a quick walk for Roberts gave the Tar Heels even more offensive fuel at the top of the third. Clemson demonstrated its solid defense, as right-handed pitcher Brooke McCubbin earned an impressive out after a pitch struck her glove, off the bat of a North Carolina hitter. The momentum of the play did not last long though, as a single from senior first baseman Carlie Myrtle allowed Roberts to run home.

Heading into the bottom of the third, North Carolina increased its lead to 3-0.

Clemson continued to fight hard offensively, hoping to shift the tides in the team's favor at the bottom of the third. A missed ball in the outfield allowed former Tar Heel Alex Brown to earn an impressive triple for the Tigers. Clemson’s luck continued with a four-pitch walk for sophomore first baseman Julia Knowler.

An RBI single for first-year Macey Cintron got the Tigers on the scoreboard for the first time, well into the third inning. This offensive streak was shut down by the Tar Heels, as a double play flew straight into the glove of Myrtle at first base.

Both UNC and Clemson were held scoreless in the fourth and fifth innings. 

Off a walk from Jackson and a quick single from Coleman, the Tar Heels held two bases at the top of the sixth. An RBI single by Rodriguez allowed Coleman and Jackson to score. Then, Thompson singled, pushing Rodriguez home. UNC led 6-1 entering the bottom of the sixth.

In the bottom of the frame, Vieira homered to right center. After a single from junior Jamison Brockenborough and a risky double from Marian Collins, the Tigers scored again to cut their point deficit to three.

But it wasn't enough. The Tigers were unable to find the same success in the bottom of the seventh, and the game ended with a score of 6-3. 

The Tar Heels are set to face the Tigers for the final game of the series at McWhorter Stadium tomorrow at 1 p.m. The winner will clinch the series.

@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com