Although it ended the Tigers’ 2023 season, Game 2 of the Norman Super Regional will go down in the history books.
Taking on No. 1 Oklahoma, who won 47 straight coming into Saturday, Clemson battled all the way until the end against the Sooners in Game 2 but ultimately lost 8-7 in nine innings.
After scoring seven unanswered to take a three-run lead, the Tigers were one strike away from forcing a Game 3 before Oklahoma catcher Kinzie Hansen hit a two-out, three-run homer on an 0-2 count to tie the game at seven runs apiece in the top of the seventh.
As Clemson fought to finish the upset, the Sooners hit a game-winning solo home run in the top of the ninth, giving them the win and a bid to the Women’s College World Series. They also set the record for the most consecutive wins in Division I softball history with 48.
While it wasn’t how they wanted to finish the season, the Tigers finished the year 49-12 and competed with the best team in the country for nine innings.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the matchup:
Honestly one of the more impressive comebacks I’ve ever seen @OU_Softball
— Kelly Gramlich (@kellygramlich) May 27, 2023
16-seed was a brutal draw. Oklahoma is a machine. This team deserves to get to OKC. Heartbreaking.
— Austin Pendergist (@apthirteen) May 27, 2023
Terrific season for Clemson — just ran into a historically great team. Sooners haven’t lost at home since Feb. 2020
What a special program the Tigers have become in such a small amount of time. When they break through to the WCWS, it will have been well earned
— Marc Whiteman (@MarcWYFFNews4) May 27, 2023
That was one of the best college softball games I’ve ever seen.
Maybe one of the best ever.
— William Qualkinbush (@QualkTalk) May 27, 2023
Incredible season and incredible fight from Clemson softball. Hate it ended that way.
— Matt Connolly (@MattConnollyOn3) May 27, 2023
#Clemson Softball falls to Oklahoma in Norman to end their ‘22-‘23 campaign. A historic season for 🐅🥎 with a lot to be proud of. Coach John Rittman has established Clemson as a household name in the Softball ranks and the future is very bright. https://t.co/5deW2iqndM
— Faxon Childress (@FaxOnSports) May 27, 2023
Clemson was one strike away from ending the longest win streak in NCAA D1 Softball history. Kinzie Hansen had other ideas. https://t.co/Jm79ZDrx43
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) May 27, 2023
The late-season slide really hurt Clemson softball and landed it in a SR at Oklahoma. Have to make sure that doesn’t happen again next year.
— Clemson Kickoff (@ClemsonKickoff) May 27, 2023
SCREAMING IN THE NEWSROOM!!!
Yes Clemson! MCKENZIE CLARK!!!@clemsonsoftball has a one-run lead on No. 1 Oklahoma.
5-4 Tigers lead in the bottom of the 5th inning— Beth Hoole (@bethhooleVNL) May 27, 2023
What a game, @clemsonsoftball continues to impress after being such a young program, they are building a legacy that is truly worth boasting 👏🏾🧡🥎
— Coach Christi 👩🏾⚕️🥎 (@SnapMyAd) May 27, 2023
My neighbors are most definitely scratching their heads by the absolute elation I’m having over @clemsonsoftball right now. Alabama grad, Furman employee… but man is it awesome to see these ladies hit dingers
— Anna Catherine English (@coachace_FU) May 27, 2023
Clemson Softball vs OU Softball
But seriously, what an amazing effort, and a phenomenal softball team there at Clemson. Well Played.
— Antonio MacBeath (@TonyTrashPanda) May 27, 2023
💔 ending today but what a ride this season for @clemsonsoftball So impressed with the way they’ve built a top program so quickly. The future is unquestionably very bright 🌞 🐅 #ClemsonFamily
— Shadow of Death Valley (@ShadowOfDV) May 27, 2023
Gotta say, this was definitely a very well earned over a great @clemsonsoftball team. Only their 4th season of their Softball program and they have been impressive! Huge shout out to @OU_Softball for never giving up! Amazing game! B⭕️⭕️MER! pic.twitter.com/1VANeEjHPB
— The Sooners of Illinois ⭕️🙌🏻 (@SofIL_JakeZ) May 27, 2023