The Cyclones set themselves up for a potential first Big 12 series win by going 1-1 in their home doubleheader with the Red Raiders.

The Cyclones opened up game one of their doubleheader on the wrong foot. The Cyclones gave up an unearned run in the second on a RBI single from Brittany Warnecke. The runner was able to score on an error by the ISU infield, and gave the Red Raiders a 1-0 lead.

The Cyclones responded in a big way in the third inning. They would load the bases early in the inning with singles from Jorden Spendlove, Nychole Antillon, and Sammie Hildreth.

These hits set up the Cyclones for a grand slam from Brittany Gomez, who gave them a 4-1 lead. That wouldn’t be the only long ball of the inning. Lexi Slater would launch a solo homerun two batters later, and extend the ISU lead to 5-1.

The Red Raiders would have a decent comeback attempt in the fourth, but it would eventually fall short. They were able to score another run on a Brittany Lee RBI single that cut the lead to 5-2. They wouldn’t score again, as the ISU pitchers buckled down and held the Red Raiders scoreless for the rest of the game, leading to a 5-2 ISU victory.

Game two started in similar fashion to the first, with the Red Raiders striking first. They were able to score the first run of the game in second inning on an error by the Cyclones. Susan Welborn singled for the Red Raiders, giving them the 1-0 lead.

The Cyclones were able to put up a run of their own, with a little help from the Red Raiders. The Cyclones were able to score on a bases loaded wild pitch that scored Gomez for the 1-1 tie. Gomez’s run would be the final run in regulation, as they were set to go to extra innings.

The Red Raiders were able to take the lead in the eighth inning. After a leadoff double, Lea Hopson was able to score from third on another ISU error and win the game for the Red Raiders.

The Cyclones will finish their series with the Red Raiders at noon May 3.