Clemson Tigers Rally to Knock off No. 5 Oregon

Ninth-ranked Tigers score three runs in the bottom of the sixth to beat the fifth-ranked Ducks 6-5.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:39pm

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The Clemson Tigers rallied with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks 6-5 in their second game of the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. Clemson centerfielder Jamison Brockenbrough drove in the game-winning run with a single, while Mac Pavese hit a solo home run to start the Tigers' comeback. Clemson pitcher Abby Dunning earned the win in relief, striking out seven over 5 2/3 innings.

Why it matters

This victory over a top-5 opponent is an impressive early-season win for the ninth-ranked Clemson Tigers, who are looking to build on their success from last year. The Tigers showed resilience by overcoming a 5-3 deficit in the late innings, highlighting their ability to win close games against elite competition.

The details

Clemson fell behind 2-0 in the top of the first inning due to Oregon errors, but the Tigers rallied with a three-run second inning capped by a three-run home run from Corri Hicks. Oregon tied it in the third and took a 5-3 lead in the fourth, but Pavese's solo shot in the sixth sparked Clemson's comeback. Brockenbrough's game-winning single in the sixth gave the Tigers the 6-5 victory.

  • Clemson scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take the lead.
  • Mac Pavese hit a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to pull Clemson within one run at 5-4.
  • Jamison Brockenbrough singled in the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The players

Jamison Brockenbrough

Clemson centerfielder who drove in the game-winning run with a single in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Mac Pavese

Clemson player who hit a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to spark the Tigers' comeback.

Abby Dunning

Clemson pitcher who earned the win in relief, striking out seven over 5 2/3 innings.

Corri Hicks

Clemson player who hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning to give the Tigers a 3-2 lead.

Elise Sokolsky

Oregon pitcher who started the game for the Ducks.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Clemson will play No. 21 Liberty tonight 45 minutes following the Oregon game, and will play Auburn on Saturday at 4 p.m., at the NFCA Leadoff Classic.

The takeaway

This comeback victory over a top-5 opponent shows the resilience and talent of the ninth-ranked Clemson Tigers, who are poised for another strong season and could make a deep postseason run if they continue to play at this high level.