Cyclones Blank Fifth-Ranked Cowgirls
April 13th, 2024 by admin
AMES, Iowa – For the second straight meeting, Iowa State (15-21, 4-9 Big 12) toppled a top-five Oklahoma State (34-7, 12-4) team, this time in shutout fashion – 2-0.
The Cyclones couldn’t have asked for a better time to earn their first shutout of the season, as the combination of Lauren Schurman (3-3) and Jaiden Ralston (2) blanked the Cowgirls in Ames. Ashley Minor was the difference for the Cyclones, as the sophomore drove in both runs, one via long ball and the other via bases-loaded HBP, as ISU only needed two to take down OSU.
Iowa State showed it could win differently today, earning its first win of the season when scoring two or fewer runs. It was just the third time all year Iowa State earned a win while being outhit. Today was also the first time any Iowa State team defeated the fifth-ranked team in the NFCA poll, as ISU was previously 0-7.
Olivia Wardlow and Angelina Allen joined Minor in the hit column, with Allen earning a hit in her tenth consecutive game – the longest streak of her career. Tiana Poole, Tatum Johnson and Minor all drew walks, as OSU pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl gave up more walks today than she had in a single game all year.
Schurman earned her third win of her freshman year, giving up five hits across five frames and striking out a pair of Cowgirls. Ralston entered with the Cyclones up 1-0 and closed the game out, tossing a hitless final two innings to earn her second save of the year.
Rosie Davis led the Cowgirl attack, as she tallied a pair of hits while three others notched one. OSU was unable to draw any freebies from the Cyclone staff, as ISU didn’t walk or hit any batters. Kilfoyl (15-3) allowed just three hits and struck out seven, but her five free bases (three walks and two HBP) caught up to her. She took a no-hitter into the fifth before Minor’s solo shot broke up the no-no
On Deck
The Cyclones and Cowgirls will be back at it tomorrow afternoon, as the two teams square off in game number two at the Cyclone Sports Complex at 1 p.m. Tomorrow’s game will be streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
As a reminder, admission to the Cyclone Sports Complex is free.