Iowa State fell 10-1 in six innings to No. 18 Oklahoma State Saturday in game two of the three-game Big 12 series in Stillwater.

The Cyclones took an early lead in the second inning with a one-out solo home run, but the Cowgirls responded with 10 unanswered runs, scoring two in the third, one in the fourth, four in the fifth and three more in the sixth to end the game via run rule.

With the loss, Iowa State moves to 8-6 in Big 12 play and 18-18 overall. The Cyclones still hold third place in the conference standings. Texas Tech (12-1) and Arizona (11-5) sit ahead, with Arizona State (9-7) and BYU (7-7) close behind.

A limited day on offense

The Cyclones were limited to six hits and two walks, struck out five times and left seven runners on base. Freshman Sereniti Trice led the lineup with two hits, while freshman Jessie Clemons added a two-out double in the third inning, which was one of two extra-base hits for Iowa State. 

Junior Sydney Malott provided the lone run with a solo home run, her eighth of the season and third of the series.

Pitching, defense let up big runs

Junior Jaiden Ralston made her seventh start of the season and tossed 2.2 innings, where she allowed two hits, two runs (one earned), two walks, two strikeouts and two hit batters. 

A two-out error in the third extended the inning, and after a walk, Ralston was pulled. Freshman Abby Huhn entered in relief and faced 15 batters, allowing six hits, two walks and five runs. 

Down 7-1 after five innings, freshman Sami Potvin came on for the sixth but gave up a pinch-hit, two-out, three-run homer to end the game. Defensively, Iowa State committed two errors, including a third-inning miscue that plated two and shifted momentum in Oklahoma State’s favor.

The Cyclones will look to respond at noon Sunday in Stillwater. The series finale will stream live on ESPN+.