Texas Tech scored three runs in the final inning of both games of this weekend’s series, sweeping the Cyclones 3-1 and 5-2.

“We are still relatively young and don’t seem to have the upperclassmen mentality you need to have,” said coach Ruth Crowe. “We’re not clicking on all cylinders.”

The losses kept Iowa State winless in the Big 12 at 0-4 and dropped its overall record to 12-17.

The Cyclones were the first to score Sunday, when Katie Reichling launched the first pitch of the second inning over the left-field fence, tallying her second home run of the season. Texas Tech (22-11, 2-2 Big 12) answered right back in the third with a single up the middle, scoring a runner on third to even the score.

After missed opportunities in the fourth inning, Cary Akins started the fifth by reaching second on a hit to deep right that was misplayed by right fielder Whitney Riley. Jennifer Bigbee laid down a successful bunt that moved Akins to third, and Quade slapped a liner over third base to send Akins home and bump up the score 2-1.

Again the Lady Raiders answered when catcher Jennifer Corkin blasted a pivotal home run over right-center to tie the contest. Kristen Karanzias replaced Reichling on the mound and collected a strikeout to end the inning. The seventh inning was unproductive for both teams, leading to extra innings.

The ninth inning was Texas Tech’s time to shine. A hit by Natalie Kula scored a run and placed a runner at third. Erin Crawford, who closed the game for the Red Raiders on the mound, pinch hit and sent ball deep to center to score two more. The Cyclones couldn’t string out any hits and Texas Tech nabbed the win.

“It was tough today,” Reichling said. “We have to do better and not sulk about this.”

Karanzias was given the loss, dropping her record to 0-2 on the season.

“We have to stop hoping something happens instead of making something happen,” Crowe said. “Texas Tech stepped up today and we froze up. We have never learned to play with a lot of confidence. Though we did a little better today, the girls know that it will only get harder from here.”

Crowe also said lack of experience and high expectations from the sophomore class plays a factor in the equation.

On Saturday, Iowa State scored in the first inning when Jessica Quade nailed a double to left and scored on a double to right from Katie Reichling. The Cyclones clung to the one-run lead until Texas Tech brought its arsenal in the seventh. Lisa Lawler bombed a three-run homer with two outs to provide the winning margin.

“We played hoping that one run would be enough,” Crowe said. “We were satisfied with one run and didn’t put any pressure on them.”

Texas Tech’s Crawford (12-5) pitched all seven innings for the win while Alyssa Ransom was saddled with the loss, dropping her record to 6-10.

Iowa State will face a grueling week of play as it hosts Northern Iowa on Tuesday, followed by a doubleheader at Missouri on Wednesday.