AMES — The Iowa State softball team came out on top with a 6-5 win in game one of its doubleheader against St. Thomas. The victory improves the Cyclones’ overall record to 29-21.
Back-and-forth scoring, steady pitching and a late-inning rally pushed Iowa State past the Tommies.
The Cyclones and St. Thomas played two games Tuesday, with the second being played immediately after the first.
Early deficit, quick response keeps Cyclones in it
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Ava Mullen got the start in the circle for the Cyclones, but the Tommies’ offense got to her early, tallying four hits and two walks to score four runs in the first inning.
The Cyclones responded with two runs in the bottom half of the inning on back-to-back RBI singles from sophomores, second baseman Kadence Shepherd and catcher Karlee Ford.
Iowa State tied the game in the third inning after walks by senior shortstop Reagan Bartholomew and Shepherd set up Ford.
Ford delivered with a double off the right-field wall, driving in Bartholomew and Shepherd to tie the score at 4-4.
Cyclones capitalize late to take control
In the sixth inning, the Cyclones scratched across two runs to take a 6-4 lead after the first three batters reached base. Two of them were driven in on a Shepherd RBI fielder’s choice and a Ford sacrifice fly.
Iowa State’s offense reached base 17 times with nine hits, seven walks and one hit by pitch, but stranded 11 runners.
Sophomore left fielder Jessie Clemons, senior center fielder Tatum Johnson and Ford each recorded multiple hits. Clemons led the way with three hits, while Ford finished with four RBIs
The Cyclones struck out just twice and stole one base. A defensive error did not result in any runs for St. Thomas.
A solo home run by the Tommies in the seventh inning cut the lead to one, but Iowa State held on for the 6-5 win.
Bullpen steadies game after early trouble
After the first inning, senior right-handed pitcher Jaiden Ralston relieved Mullen and threw five strong innings, allowing just one run on a seventh-inning solo home run.
Ralston earned her fourth win, facing 20 batters and allowing three hits and two walks while striking out one. She threw 69 pitches with a 62% strike rate.
Junior right-handed pitcher Lauren Schurman recorded her third save of the season, finishing the seventh inning without allowing a hit while striking out two, walking one and hitting one batter.
