Iowa State wrapped up its three-game Big 12 opening series against Houston with two tough losses, falling 6-2 Saturday and 3-2 Sunday. After a comeback win in game one, the Cyclones couldn’t replicate the same magic, pushing their Big 12 record to 1-2 and overall record to 10-11.
Saturday recap
The Cyclones stumbled early in game two, allowing three unearned runs in the second inning after a costly two-out error. The miscue plated one, followed by a walk and a two-run double to give Houston a 3-0 lead.
Iowa State responded in the third with a bases-loaded fielder’s choice to score one, but the Cougars added a run in the fourth on a double and another in the fifth on an RBI single to extend their lead.
The Cyclones managed to push across one more run in the sixth with a solo home run, but it wasn’t enough as Houston held on for the 6-2 victory.
Offensively, Iowa State struggled to find consistent production, managing just five hits and leaving 10 runners stranded. Freshman Sereniti Trice and junior McKenna Andrews each drew two walks and Trice added a stolen base.
Junior Tiana Poole provided the highlight of the day with her first home run of the season, a solo shot in the sixth inning.
Junior Jaiden Ralston got the start in the circle and was charged with the loss, throwing three innings, allowing four hits and five runs, only two of which were earned. Ralston struck out two but surrendered four walks. Freshman Abby Huhn came on in relief for three innings and gave up three hits and one earned run.
Defensively, the Cyclones made one costly error in the second inning that proved to be the game-changing moment, resulting in three unearned runs. Iowa State did, however, turn one double play to limit further damage.
Sunday recap
In the series finale, the Cyclones again found themselves playing from behind. Houston struck first in the third inning with an RBI single to take a 1-0 lead. Iowa State responded in the fourth, loading the bases and pushing across one run via a walk to tie the game. However, Houston answered in the bottom half with a bases-loaded RBI bunt to regain the lead.
The Cyclones again showed their fight in the fifth, as junior Sydney Malott launched a solo home run to tie the game at 2-2. After a scoreless sixth inning, the Cougars walked it off in the bottom of the seventh with a two-out RBI single to seal the series win.
Iowa State’s offense was limited, collecting just four hits. Malott was the only Cyclone with a multi-hit game with a single and the game-tying solo homer. The Cyclones did manage to draw five walks and one hit-by-pitch but left nine runners on base, ultimately stalling any major scoring opportunities.
Huhn started the game and went for 3.1 innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, two walks and no strikeouts. Sophomore Lauren Schurman came in for relief, also for 3.1 innings, and gave up just three hits and one earned run, which ultimately came on Houston’s walk-off single. Schurman recorded five strikeouts and two walks.
Defensively, Iowa State flashed the leather. It recorded two double plays and committed zero errors, but the offense couldn’t find enough production to avoid the series’ loss.
Up next, Iowa State travels to Oxford, Mississippi, for the Rebel Invitational. The Cyclones are set to face Ole Miss and Samford twice and North Dakota State once in a five-game slate starting at 1 p.m. Friday.
