AMES — The Iowa State Cyclones soared to victory against the Kirkwood Community College Eagles on Wednesday with a commanding 13-4 win.
Iowa State’s offense exploded early, highlighted by an eight-run third inning that set the tone for the game. Despite giving up two runs in the fifth inning and another in the sixth inning, the Cyclones responded with two of their own in the seventh inning and closed out strong with three more runs in the ninth inning.
Jessie Clemons’ perfect day at the plate for Iowa State
Freshman standout Jessie Clemons had a day to remember at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two walks and a two-run RBI single.
Clemons played a crucial role in the Cyclones’ explosive third inning, driving in two key runs. Her sharp eye and confident approach made her nearly unstoppable, reaching base in every at-bat.
“Today was a great day,” Clemons said. “I came up to every at-bat telling myself, ‘All right, don’t be the next out.’”
Her mindset paid off, as she delivered consistent clutch hits throughout the game.
“I knew what she was throwing,” Clemons said. “I was going to swing at my pitches.”
That confidence made her a cornerstone in Iowa State’s offensive success Wednesday.
Aziza Rodriguez shines bright for the Cyclones
Sophomore left-handed pitcher Aziza Rodriguez shined in her brief but impactful outing, dominating the third and fourth innings. After allowing a lead-off walk, Rodriguez quickly rebounded by retiring the next three batters, including two via strikeout.
“I think I did pretty good today,” Rodriguez said. “There are little things I could’ve improved, but overall, I give myself an A.”
Her second inning was even better, as she delivered a one-two-three frame, finishing with three strikeouts across two innings. Rodriguez’s strong performance gave Iowa State the stability they needed to keep Kirkwood at bay.
Cyclone offense fires on all cylinders
Iowa State’s bats stayed red-hot following a weekend of high-scoring games. The Cyclones racked up 16 hits and 13 runs, with their third inning being the highlight, sending 13 batters to the plate and scoring eight runs.
Contributions came from up and down the lineup, with big RBI hits from Clemons, senior Angelina Allen, juniors Reagan Bartholomew and McKenna Andrews and sophomores Isabelle Nosan and Paige Zender.
Even after the explosive third inning, Iowa State tacked on five more runs, showing the depth and consistency of their lineup.
Head coach Jamie Pinkerton praised the offense but emphasized the need for efficiency.
“I’m sitting here complaining about 13 runs,” Pinkerton said. “It’s a good thing, but I think we can clean some things up offensively and be more efficient.”
Dominant pitching keeps Eagles grounded
The Cyclones’ pitching staff once again delivered, allowing just four runs over the 10 inning game. With a combined 15 strikeouts to only five walks, the pitchers showcased their dominance.
Four pitchers recorded two or more strikeouts: Freshmen Abby Huhn and Sami Potvin, junior Jaiden Ralston and Rodriguez.
This young pitching staff has been impressive all fall and their steady improvement suggests they are poised to make waves in the spring season.
Iowa State will wrap up its fall season Oct. 12 with a pair of games in Minneapolis against the University of Minnesota and North Dakota State. The Cyclones aim to carry their momentum into what promises to be an exciting end to the fall slate.
