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Duke secures series opener against Clemson with a few firsts

by:Tara Henry•04/13/24
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Clemson, S.C. – Duke experienced a series of firsts in its road game at McWhorter Stadium against Clemson.

  • Lillie Walker (10-1) made her first start of the season, pitching a career-high 6.2 innings, allowing nine hits and six runs.
  • Kelly Torres had her first career start in the leadoff spot and went 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs.
  • Aminah Vega hit her first career grand slam.

After a surprising loss to Campbell on Wednesday, Duke revamped its lineup for Friday night’s game. The offense surged, recording 13 hits and scoring in the third, fourth, sixth, and seventh innings. Head coach Marissa Young opted for Walker with Cassidy Curd and Jala Wright needing rest.

“Cass needed another day or two, and Jala threw a lot on Wednesday, we figured that they probably wouldn’t be prepared for Lillie,” said Young. “She’s been so great in the reliever role. She’s a workhorse. The team plays great behind her. To give her that start and see them perform behind her was really exciting.”

Walker led Duke to a 13-9 victory over Clemson, securing her first ACC win of the year. She effectively varied her pitches and utilized off-speed in advantage counts.

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“I’m usually in that closer role,” said Walker. ” I was super excited to get the start for my team. Anything that I can do to play my part.”

Run support was crucial for Walker, as Duke took a 2-0 lead in the third inning. The offense continued, scoring three runs in the fourth, including a 2-RBI single by Torres.

Playing in the leadoff spot for the first time, Torres embraced the challenge.

“We’ve had some ups and downs of that leadoff person. Kelly’s been hitting really, really well for us. She’s also that spark plug for the team and so putting her in the leadoff to really get things going is exactly what we felt like we needed today.,” said Young.

Clemson got on the board with a two-run homer in the fourth, but Duke responded with more runs, highlighted by Vega’s grand slam in the sixth inning, extending the lead to 9-3.

Though Clemson mounted a comeback with three runs in the sixth inning, a three-run homer by Claire Davidson in the seventh sealed the win for Duke. The Tigers’ three runs in the bottom of the inning fell short as Duke took game one of the series.

Defensive play of the game: Aminah Vega’s diving play in the 3/4 hole.

Offensive play of the game: Vega’s grand slam to center field.

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