Clemson drops Game 1 to Oklahoma State, one loss from elimination

Just like that, Clemson is one loss away from its season coming to an end.

Oklahoma State held off the Tigers 2-0 Thursday night in Game 1 of the super regionals.

Clemson got a strong outing from starting pitcher Millie Thompson, but the Tigers struggled all night at the plate.

Only Valerie Cagle and Marissa Guimbarda managed hits off Cowboys ace Kelly Maxwell. Clemson hitters struck out 13 times.

“A lot of credit goes to Maxwell. She was awfully tough tonight,” Tigers coach John Rittman said. “Obviously the first time we’ve seen her live. A lot of tight spin down, got us to chase up a little bit. We still hit the ball hard four or five times.”

The only two runs of the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning.

No. 8 hitter Taylor Tuck led off the frame with a double and moved to third on a sac bunt. Chelsea Alexander then walked and stole second to put two runners in scoring position.

Chyenne Factor then singled to bring home a pair of runs.

While the loss was disappointing, the Tigers can still bounce back and advance. Two-way star Valerie Cagle is expected to get the start on the mound for Clemson Friday night.

“We’ve got a pretty good one going tomorrow, so we’re set up,” Rittman said. “We have a 1A and 1B really this whole second half of the season. Millie’s worked extremely hard. We know she keeps hitters off balance. Both of these pitchers complement each other really well. So they give a team a different look, and looking forward to tomorrow.”

If the Tigers win on Friday, it would set up a decisive Game 3 on Saturday.

“The biggest thing I told our team after tonight was it’s not over,” Rittman said. “We still have a lot to fight for. It’s a three-game series for a reason, so we’ve got to come out tomorrow night ready to play.”