AMES — After jumping ahead with two runs in the first inning, Iowa State used a five-run third inning to separate itself from Kansas City and cruise to a 9-1 run-rule victory Wednesday at the Cyclone Sports Complex.
Freshman Sereniti Trice sparked the third-inning outburst with a first-pitch single before advancing to second on a passed ball. Junior Tatum Johnson followed with a walk, setting the stage for senior Angelina Allen to rip an RBI single.
Freshman Jessie Clemons laid down a bunt single to score Johnson, then stole second to put runners on second and third. That set up junior Reagan Bartholomew to crush a three-run homer to center field and put the game out of reach.
“I felt great,” Bartholomew said. “I think it’s just the excitement to be back and help the team that’s really pushing me. When you can do so much, it just boosts your confidence even more going into the weekend.”
The Cyclones loaded the bases later in the inning, with two more hits from Trice and freshman Karlee Ford, along with a walk from junior Ashley Minor.
Trice finished a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs scored, Bartholomew went 3-for-3 with four RBIs and Ford added a 3-for-3 line with one run scored. Iowa State collected 15 hits and two walks overall and walked it off in the fifth on a two-RBI single from Johnson.
“Yeah, I was really excited about that performance,” Trice said. “I haven’t been too pleased with my at-bats recently, so [Wednesday] was a hard reset before Oklahoma State this weekend.”
Head coach Jamie Pinkerton praised his team’s offensive rhythm and approach at the plate.
“I liked the way the bats came alive and the situational hitting,” Pinkerton said. “We did a good job of putting together some hits; 15 hits, which has to be close to a season-high. We needed a game like this to reset and save the arms going into a tough weekend.”
Pinkerton also noted the strategic value of midweek matchups in keeping the pitching staff fresh and giving role players opportunities to contribute.
“You try to schedule these strategically, get players like Abby [Huhn] some work and give some others time in the field,” Pinkerton said. “We got out in five innings, which lines us up well for a tough road series.”
Iowa State improved to 18-17 on the season and will carry momentum into a critical Big 12 three-game series on the road against No. 17 Oklahoma State beginning at noon Friday.
“I think it’s just about staying the same and not making it seem like a bigger deal than it is,” Bartholomew said. “Just playing Iowa State softball.”
“We’re going out there confident,” Trice said. “I don’t think we can’t handle anything.”
