Cyclones top UCF 3-2 in second straight behind strong pitchingIowa State beat UCF 3-2 in the second game of their three-game series Friday. After Thursday’s extra-innings win, the Cyclones came out hot under the bright Orlando sun before the pitching took over, shutting down the bats for both teams in the last four innings.
Early runs set the tone
The Cyclones got the bats going early in the top of the first inning. Freshman Sereniti Trice led off with a single, and freshman Jessie Clemons brought her home with an RBI double to left field.
Junior Sydney Malott kept the momentum going with an RBI single, driving in Clemons. The flurry continued, but UCF stopped the bleeding at 2-0, stranding Iowa State’s runners on second and third.
Sophomore Lauren Schurman got the nod for the start after a phenomenal outing on Thursday. UCF fired right back in the bottom of the first inning.
A sacrifice fly RBI cut the lead to one before a solo home run to left center field for Aubrey Evans tied the game at 2-2.
Cyclones stay in front for good
Senior Angelina Allen kicked off the third inning for Iowa State with a triple to left field. Junior Tatum Johnson followed Allen up with an RBI single to give the team a 3-2 lead.
Junior Jaiden Ralston took over for Schurman in the third inning and had a great outing. Ralston pitched the final five innings, shutting the UCF offense down completely.
She gave up just two hits and the stifling Cyclone defense did not allow a run for the rest of the game. Ralston was credited with the win when all was said and done.
With the win, Iowa State is 13-14 this season and 3-2 in conference. The Cyclones look to close out the sweep over UCF with a win at 11 a.m. Saturday in Orlando. The matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
