The Iowa State softball team began its second Big 12 matchup Friday in Lubbock, Texas, as they faced Texas Tech. The Cyclones were able to get their first Big 12 win against the Red Raiders as they defeated Texas Tech by a score of 3-2 in eight innings. Iowa State now improves to 12-17 overall on the year.

Cyclones’ offense surges against the Red Raiders

Iowa State had a good day at the plate it was able to acquire three runs on eight hits. The first run was hit by senior second baseman Kasey Simpson as she hit a solo home run in the top of the third inning. 

Not much happened offensively after Simpson’s home run as the Cyclones found themselves down by a run heading into the bottom of the seventh. Junior center fielder Milaysia Ochoa hit a one-out double to get a runner in scoring position during desperate times. 

It looked grim for Iowa State as head coach Jamie Pinkerton made the decision with only one out left to have freshman Ashley Minor come in to pinch hit for senior third baseman Sophie Maras. 

Minor took advantage as she cashed in Ochoa from second after a base hit to tie the game for Iowa State. 

Senior catcher Mikayla Ramos hit the go-ahead double in the top of the eighth inning as it was her second hit of the day. Ramos continues to showcase her talents in the biggest moments, and it continued Friday with the big hit.

Iowa State locks down after two runs early

Pinkerton went into Friday’s matchup choosing freshman Jaiden Ralston to start the game for the Cyclones. Ralston’s start didn’t go as planned as she only lasted an inning and a third giving up three hits and two walks while being responsible for two runs. 

Senior Ellie Spelhaug was called in for relief of Ralston, and she was able to lock down the Red Raiders’ offense. She was able to go four and two-thirds innings while only giving up one hit and one walk and striking out two. 

Junior Saya Swain entered in the bottom of the seventh inning and blanked Texas Tech in two innings of work as she helped Iowa State get its first Big 12 win. Swain earned the win as she gave up no hits and no walks while striking out three.

Cyclones look to ride momentum throughout the rest of the weekend

The win over Texas Tech was an excellent way to start off the weekend for Iowa State, as they finally took down a conference foe. 

The Cyclones will look to beat Texas Tech again starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. The series will then finish up Sunday as Iowa State will play Texas Tech one final time at noon.