PROVO, Utah – A back-and-forth battle broke out at Gail Miller Field in Provo, Utah, on Friday night as Iowa State (16-24, 5-12 Big 12) fell to the BYU Cougars (25-19, 7-13 Big 12) on a Maddie Bejarano walk-off home run in nine innings, 8-7.
The long ball was the theme of Friday’s battle, as the two teams combined to blast eight homers on the evening. In fact, all eight of BYU’s runs came via long ball as the Cougars recorded six homers – four solo shots and two, two-run shots.
The Cyclones, who are still aiming for their first-ever win in Provo, bounced back offensively after a down series-opener, connecting on 13 hits. Four of ISU’s 13 hits went for extra bases as Carli Spelhaug led the way with a three-for-five outing. Milaysia Ochoa, Angelina Allen and Olivia Wardlow all joined Spelhaug with multiple hits on the night. Ochoa had a team-high two RBI.
Karlie Charles (2-6) matched her career high with 8.1 innings pitched on the afternoon, starting the game, being relieved by Jaiden Ralston, and re-entering to finish the game. Charles struck out three and walked just one.
Huntyr Ava was on fire for the Cougars on the evening, as the first baseman went four-of-four at the plate and towered a pair of solo shots in the game. Returning from injury, Violet Zavodnik and Lily Ownes joined Ava with two RBI on the day and also got in on the action blasting long balls themselves. The hero Bejarano and Hailey Morrow also had homers for BYU.
Gianna Mares got the start for the Cougars and went for three innings, allowing four runs on seven hits. Ailana Agbayani again came in in relief, allowing just two hits in 2.2 innings of work. Kate Dahle also saw action for the Cougars, tossing 3.1 innings.
On Deck
Iowa State will return to Gail Miller Field tomorrow, Saturday, April 20, to take on the Cougars in the series finale. Tomorrow’s game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
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