Clemson softball kicks off NCAA tournament with no-hitter

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(Ken Ruinard/USA TODAY NETWORK)

Clemson softball got its NCAA tournament run off to a hot start Friday, with pitcher Millie Thompson laying down a no-hitter in the Tiger’s 9-0 first-round win against UNC Wilmington.

The game ended after five innings as the Tigers won their first-ever home game in the NCAA tournament by run rule. In NCAA softball, the mercy rule is invoked if a team leads by at least eight runs after the fifth inning.

Clemson scored six runs in the first inning and never looked back in front of a sold-out home crowd. From there, Thompson took over, throwing just 49 pitches and striking out four batters.

The Tigers will next play the winner of Friday’s contest between Auburn and Louisiana.