Red Raiders sweep Cyclones in Lubbock

Travis Cammon

The ISU softball team wrapped up day three of a three-game series against Texas Tech.

Texas Tech (30-7, 3-2 Big 12) was able to cap off a three-game sweep against Iowa State (10-22, 0-6 Big 12) with a 5-3 extra-inning thriller on Sunday.

Taylor Smith began the day in the circle for the Cyclones and proceeded to give up a solo home run to Tech’s Emily Bledsoe, putting the Red Raiders in front 1-0 after the first inning.

After the first inning, Smith did not allow any runs in the next four innings.

Sophomore Sara Rice provided the offensive spark for the Cyclones with a solo home run in the top of the fifth. The home run marks the second of Rice’s career, both of which came against the Red Raiders.

The 1-1 tie was quickly squandered by Iowa State, however, as Tech was able to score two back-to-back home runs in the sixth to push its lead to 3-1.

Smith was replaced in the top of the sixth in favor of junior Tori Torrescano after pitching five innings and giving up five hits and three runs.

After the pitching change, the Cyclones were able to rally two runs in the top of the seventh off a double by catcher Amber Ewert.

Bledsoe, who homered earlier in the game to give the Red Raiders the lead, promptly ended the game in the eighth inning with her second home run of the day to secure the victory for Texas Tech.

Iowa State will try to break its three-game losing streak on Wednesday when the team travels to Omaha, Neb., to play a make-up game against Creighton. Action is set to begin at 5 p.m.