A trio of home runs fueled a seven-run output for Iowa as the Iowa State softball team fell 7-2 on Tuesday afternoon at the Cyclone SB Complex.
Despite the loss, the Cyclones (27-19) saw a perfect performance at the plate from Tatum Johnson, who reached base in all four of her plate appearances. Jessie Clemons also contributed a multi-hit game for Iowa State, which finished with seven hits as a team.
Iowa (24-22) established an early lead, scoring three runs in the second inning and adding another
in the third. The Hawkeye offense was powered by home runs from Kiara Sipe, Leah McAnally, and Phoenyx Silva.
Iowa State starter Ava Mullen (4-5) took the loss, allowing four earned runs on three hits across 2.2 innings. Lauren Schurman pitched two innings of relief before Jaiden Ralston entered to stabilize the circle, throwing 2.1 scoreless innings and allowing just one hit.
The Cyclones mounted a rally in the later innings, beginning in the fifth when Karlee Ford doubled and eventually came around to score Iowa State’s first run. In the sixth, Victoria Prado delivered a pinch-hit RBI single that brought home McKenna Andrews to cut the deficit to 7-2. However, the Cyclones were unable to bridge the gap further, leaving nine runners on base throughout the contest.
Johnson’s standout day included a double, a single, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch. Clemons finished 2-for-4 with two singles, while Kadence Shepherd reached base twice via a hit and a walk.
Iowa’s Serayah Neiss (11-7) earned the victory, pitching six innings and allowing two runs on six hits. Avery Sapp threw the final frame to close out the game.
The contest was completed in 1 hour and 48 minutes in front of a crowd of 1,367. Weather conditions at first pitch were 86 degrees and sunny with light winds.
