Pitt Rallies from Early Deficit to Take Series Opener Over Clemson

Friday, April 10

Pittsburgh, Pa.

4 PM

Pitt

21-18, 7-9

Clemson

25-16, 7-9

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Clemson	3	1	0	0	0	0	1	5	9	0
Pitt	0	0	5	0	1	2	X	8	6	1

Pitt Rallies from Early Deficit to Take Series Opener Over Clemson

4/10/2026 6:51:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery

PITTSBURGH – Pitt used a five-run third inning and a four-homer performance to power past Clemson, 8-5, in the series opener Friday evening at Vartabedian Field.

The Panthers' offense erupted in the third inning, highlighted by three consecutive home runs from Ahmari Braden, Shelby Frazier and Gracie Helton to seize control of the game. Pitt finished with four long balls, while Clemson added two of its own in a power-filled contest that featured six combined home runs.

Pitt fell behind 4-0 through the first two innings, but responded in the bottom of the third with a five-run frame. Braden led off the frame with a solo shot to deep center on a full count, sparking the rally. Following the back-to-back-to-back homers, Alena Ball scored on a wild pitch and Tieley Vaughn crossed the plate on an infield single from Addison Toczek, giving the Panthers a 5-4 advantage after three innings.

Clemson had jumped out quickly in the first inning, using an infield single, a double and a three-run homer to take a 3-0 lead in the first inning. The Tigers added another run in the second on an RBI single from Jamison Brockenbrough as Pitt was held hitless through the first two frames.

In the circle, Sparks recovered from the early deficit, limiting Clemson to just one run on four hits over the final five innings. She earned the win after tossing a complete game with six strikeouts.

Defensively, Helton made a key play in the third inning, laying out behind third base and making the throw from her knees to record an out at first and prevent a run from scoring.

Pitt added insurance in the sixth when Vaughn launched a two-run homer to center field, extending the lead to 8-4. Clemson hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh, but could not complete the comeback.

Pitt continues the series against Clemson tomorrow at 7 p.m. on ACC Network.