AMES — The Cyclones scored four runs in the first inning, but a rain delay caused play to stop for nearly an hour. Neither team scored a run after the stoppage, going into the fifth inning. 

Center fielder Tatum Johnson hit a grounder to first base that went straight through her legs and into the grass in right. 

Third baseman Reagan Bartholomew was next, who was 0-2 headed into the at-bat. The senior hit a ball over the second baseman’s head to put runners on first and second with no outs. 

Sophomore second baseman Kadence Shepherd flew out, and freshman pinch hitter Ava Wilmes moved runners to first and third for sophomore catcher Karlee Ford. 

Ford walked on five pitches to load the bases. A grand slam would extend the lead to eight, and the game would be over because of the mercy rule. 

The designated player, sophomore Victoria Prado, was up, but head coach Jamie Pinkerton decided to give junior pinch hitter Isabelle Nosan the at-bat. 

Nosan had just one hit in 20 at-bats this season, and a big hit could give her the confidence she needs.

Nosan stepped into the box and, with bases loaded and two outs, launched one to deep left field. It cleared the wall, and Nosan touched them all for her first home run of the season.

Nosan was swarmed at home when she jumped on home plate, and the Cyclones walked off South Dakota 8-0 in five innings.

“When I knew I was going to have the potential to hit, I was ready,” Nosan said following the grand slam.

Matchups favored Nosan in the moment, and Pinkerton trusted the junior to come in and get the job done.

“People don’t realize how hard it is to pinch hit, and for her to stay in the game and know that at any time she’ll get an opportunity, and like I said, I was really, really thrilled,” Pinkerton said.