Cards Defeat No. 22/21 Clemson 6-3 to Even Series on Senior Day

Saturday, April 27

LOUISVILLE, Ky.

1:00 PM

University of Louisville

Clemson

Cards Defeat No. 22/21 Clemson 6-3 to Even Series on Senior Day

April 27, 2024 | Softball

Box Score Postgame Interview with Daisy Hess and Sam Booe Photo Gallery

Cards overcome a two-run deficit to beat Clemson 6-3 and even the series

By: Lori Harmon

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville softball team defeated No. 22/21 Clemson 6-3 on Saturday afternoon at Ulmer Stadium to even the Atlantic Coast Conference series. The Cardinals (26-22, 7-13 ACC) and the Tigers (32-16, 14-9 ACC) will meet in the rubber-game Sunday, April 28 with the first pitch set for 12:00 p.m.

In the game, Louisville overcame a two-run deficit, scoring five runs in the fifth and another in the sixth en route to the win. Daisy Hess went 2-for-4 with two runs and Chelsea Mack went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI to lead the Cardinals at the plate. Sam Booe (3-3) claimed the win with four strikeouts, keeping Clemson to one run on four hits.

After a quiet start, Clemson threatened to score first in the top of the third by taking advantage of a HBP walk and a successful single on a bunt up the first base line. Cardinals' second baseman Bailee Richardson made a diving catch to escape the inning with the Tigers scoreless.

In the top of the fourth, Clemson combined a single and a sacrifice fly to get on the scoreboard board, taking a 1-0 lead over the Cards. The Tigers continued their effort in the top of the fifth, stringing together a walk and a couple of singles to bring the tally to 2-0.

Louisville fought back in the in the bottom of the fifth, kicking off a rally when leadoff hitter Maddi Grant reached on a ground ball to third base and Kiley Goff followed up with a sacrifice bunt. A throwing error on the play sent Grant and Goff home to tie the game at 2-2. Daisy Hess then singled and Chelsea Mack drew a walk to put two on for Riley Frizell, who singled and advanced to second. On Clemson's third error of the inning, Louisville tallied two more runs. Paige Geraghty wrapped up an explosive inning with an RBI hit to put the Cards on top 5-2.

Clemson plated one more in the top of the sixth after a double and back-to-back singles, but the Cardinals answered again in the bottom half of the frame. Hess doubled to left and then scored on a base hit by Mack, sealing the 6-3 win over the Tigers.

Gabby Holloway got the start in the circle and held Clemson to one run on three hits. Brooke Gray entered the game in relief and limited the Tigers to a run on two hits with one strikeout.

Valerie Cagle (8-6) took the loss, allowing five runs, one earned, on six hits and striking out six in five innings of work. She also went 2-for-4 at the plate to help lead the Tigers.