Ames, IA – Tatum Johnson’s third-inning grand slam proved to be the difference as Iowa State (22-18, 10-6 Big 12) defeated Kansas (18-21, 4-12 Big 12) 4-2 on Thursday afternoon. The victory marked the Cyclones’ sixth Big 12 series-opening win of the season.
With the win, Iowa State remains one of just two teams in the Big 12 to have won all of its series openers—joining Texas Tech, which plays Arizona later Thursday. The triumph also snapped a four-game skid against Kansas and gave Head Coach Jamie Pinkerton his 200th career win at Iowa State, making him just the third coach in program history to reach that milestone.
Johnson led the way for the Cyclones, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Her day included two singles and her fourth home run of the year. Jessie Clemons added two hits, while Sereniti Trice and Isabelle Nosan each contributed one. Angelina Allen reached base twice on walks.
Lauren Schurman (10-9) earned the win, pitching four innings and allowing two runs on four hits. Jaiden Ralston entered in relief, shutting down the Jayhawks over the final three innings while giving up just one hit. The save was the third of the season and seventh of Ralston’s career, tying her for third all-time in ISU history.
Kansas scattered five hits among five players, with Olivia Bruno supplying the only RBIs and pitching a complete game. She gave up seven hits, four runs, and three walks while striking out one.
Game Summary
Kansas jumped to a quick lead in the first inning. Presley Limbaugh walked and scored on Olivia Bruno’s two-RBI single after Aynslee Linduff added an infield hit and a sac bunt moved them over.
Iowa State threatened in the bottom half but failed to score. After a scoreless second, the Cyclones made their move in the third. McKenna Andrews walked, Trice added a bunt single, and Clemons reached on a weakly hit infield ball that loaded the bases. On the very next pitch, Johnson blasted a grand slam over the left-center wall, flipping the lead in ISU’s favor.
The Cyclones had a few more scoring chances but didn’t add to their total. With Ralston shutting down the Jayhawks across the final three innings, Iowa State secured its 22nd win of the year.
Thursday Highlights
Home Runs:
- Iowa State: Tatum Johnson (4)
- Kansas: None
Pitching Lines:
- Win – Lauren Schurman (10-9): 4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
- Save – Jaiden Ralston (3): 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
- Loss – Olivia Bruno (4-4): 6.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Next Up
The Cyclones return to the field Friday at 4 p.m. to go for the series win over Kansas. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, and admission to the Cyclone Sports Complex is free.
