Texas rallies in the 10th to even Super Regional series, setting up a winner-take-all finale
In a thrilling Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional, the Texas Longhorns edged out the Clemson Tigers 7–5 in a dramatic 10 innings, setting the stage for a decisive Game 3 at the 40 acres.
The Longhorns struck early in the second inning when junior-shortstop Leighann Goode (.287 BA & 9 HR) launched a two-run homer to left field, giving the Longhorns a 2–0 lead. Clemson responded in the third, with the second base-senior Maddie Moore’s (.415 BA & 17 HR) two-run homer tying the game. The teams traded runs through the fourth and fifth inning, but with Texas reclaiming the lead on a solo shot by junior-catcher Reese Atwood (.426 BA & 21 HR) and a two-run double by the first base-graduate Joley Mitchell (.381 BA &60 RBIs) making the lead 5–4 before Clemson’s freshman-first baseman Macey Cintron (.291 BA & 14 HR) hit a solo homer to knot the game at 5–5.
The game remained deadlocked until the top of the 10th inning. A sacrifice bunt by the senior-pinch hitter Katie Cimusz (.238 BA & .436 SLG %) advanced runners Goode and Katie Stewart (.368 BA & 75 RBIs) to second and third, setting up the second base-junior Kaydee Bennett’s sacrifice fly and red shirt-junior Ashton Maloney’s (.435 BA & .500 SLG %) RBI single, pushing Texas ahead 7–5.
Texas sophomore-righty pitcher Teagan Kavan (2.53 ERA & 209 strikeouts) rebounded to deliver a clutch performance, throwing 5⅔ scoreless innings, striking out seven, and allowing just five hits and held Clemson scoreless in the bottom of the 10th, sealing the win for Texas. The pitching staffs efforts, along with key contributions like Goode’s defense along with Bennett and Maloney’s key RBIs in the 10th inning, pushed Texas to their 50th win of the season and forced a decisive Game Three at the 40 acres with the Women’s College World Series on the line.
With the series tied 1–1, Texas and Clemson will face off in a winner-take-all Game Three to determine who advances to the Women’s College World Series. Clemson, seeking its first Women’s College World Series appearance, will aim to bounce back as the Longhorns look for a deep run in the WCWS. Game 3 is scheduled for May 24 at 8 pm Central Time at McCombs Field in Austin and will be streamed on ESPN.