CLEMSON, S.C. — In a top 25 showdown at McWhorter Field, #23 South Carolina won an epic showdown with 11th-ranked Clemson Wednesday night, a 6-4 decision in 12 innings.
The 12-inning contest was the third longest game in Division I softball this season. It’s also the longest game for South Carolina since playing 12 innings against Arkansas on April 15, 2000.
Jen Cummings delivered a solo home run in the third and Riley Blampied delivered a two-run single in the 12th for some insurance after the Gamecocks pushed across a run for a 4-3 lead.
Clemson had its best look to score in the 10th inning after Hiller notched a one-out double into the gap in left center. Kylie Johnson followed with a walk, but South Carolina ended the inning with back-to-back outs to leave a runners stranded at first and third.
Alana Vawter threw a complete game in the circle, the longest outing of her career. She threw 158 pitches on the night and in the process, she retired 14 straight from the first through fifth innings and later retired eight straight from the seventh through 10th innings. Vawter finished her night allowing three earned runs on seven hits, walking three, and striking out two. Her first strikeout did not come until the 10th inning. Vawter threw 158 pitches on the night
Carolina returns home to take host No. 7 Tennessee for its SEC home opener Saturday at 6 p.m.
The Tigers hit the road for their first ACC road series by traveling to Charlottesville, Va. Clemson will open the three-game series at Virginia on Friday, March 22 at 6 p.m.
