Cyclones defeat Drake in extra innings
ISU pitcher Rachel Zabriskie throws a pitch during the Cyclones’ 1-0 loss to Minnesota in game one of a doubleheader Thursday. Zabriskie struck out nine in the game to move into the top 10 all time for Big 12 pitchers.
April 12, 2011
The ISU softball team beat in-state rival Drake in a 10-inning thriller Tuesday.
The two hour, 33 minute marathon that ended with the Cyclones (18-17, 1-5 Big 12) getting a 2-1 victory over the Bulldogs (24-14) was dominated by pitching and defense.
Cyclone pitcher Rachel Zabriskie pitched the entire game, giving up one run on just six hits while striking out eight Bulldog batters.
In the first inning, Cyclone second baseman Sara Davison drew a walk with one out. Later in the inning, Davison stole second base and was able to advance to third on a throwing error by the Bulldog’s catcher.
ISU first baseman Erica Miller then stepped to the plate and hit a single to right field to bring Davison home for an RBI.
Bulldog outfielder Sam West singled to start off the third inning for the first base hit of the day for Drake. West then stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by Cyclone catcher Amandine Habben.
Drake pitcher Jordan Gronewold then hit a sac fly ball to right field that brought West home to tie the score at 1-1.
Both offenses were then held in check until Drake loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning, making some nervous moments for the Cyclones.
Drake’s shortstop Lindsey Vande Wall singled to start the inning off, followed by Zabriskie walking two more Bulldog hitters to fill the bases with two outs.
Zabriskie got some help from her defense a few moments later as Bulldog infielder Amy Pierce flew out to right field.
The Cyclones squandered chances to get on the board in both the eighth and ninth innings when they put runners in scoring position, but failed to capitalize.
Less than a week ago, the Cyclones faltered in a 10-inning game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The Cyclones refused to go down that way again.
With one out in the top of the 10th, ISU designated hitter Tori Torrescano doubled to right-center field. Torrescano then advanced to third base when teammate Anna Cole grounded out.
With two outs, freshman Katie Harms came to the plate for the Cyclones and hit a grounder to Vande Wall, who did not field the ball cleanly.
Harms reached first safely on the error by Vande Wall as Torrescano came home for what would be the game-winning run.
The Cyclones face Drake again at 4 p.m. Thursday in Ames at the Southwest Athletic Complex.
