Ames, IA—–Iowa State (23-19, 11-7 Big 12) finished its weekend series against Kansas (19-22, 5-13 Big 12) with a 2-1 edge, but the Cyclones were denied a sweep on Saturday as the Jayhawks exploded offensively to claim a 13-5 run-rule victory in five innings. The win allowed Kansas to salvage the series after Iowa State mounted a thrilling walk-off comeback on Friday.
Friday Recap: Cyclones Walk Off Jayhawks in Wild Comeback
In a gritty, back-and-forth battle Friday afternoon, the Cyclones rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat Kansas 7-6 and clinch their fourth Big 12 series of the season.
After Kansas used four straight scoring innings to take a 6-3 lead into the final frame, Iowa State strung together four consecutive singles to tie the game. Reagan Bartholomew then delivered a deep sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Tatum Johnson for the walk-off win.
Johnson, Jessie Clemons, and McKenna Andrews each tallied two hits. Johnson also added a pair of RBI, tying for the team high with Bartholomew and Sydney Malott, who homered for the fifth time in six games.
Jaiden Ralston (8-6) picked up the win in relief, tossing four innings behind starter Sami Potvin. Kansas was powered by shortstop Hailey Cripe’s two home runs and three RBI, while Ava Wallace added a two-run blast of her own.
Saturday Recap: Kansas Erupts to Prevent ISU Sweep
Looking for the sweep Saturday, Iowa State instead fell victim to Kansas’ hottest offensive outing of the season. The Jayhawks scored in four consecutive innings and put up 13 runs to secure a five-inning, 13-5 run-rule win.
After a scoreless first, Kansas put up 13 runs across the next four frames. The damage included homers from Olivia Bruno and Campbell Bagshaw, with Bagshaw driving in a game-high five runs and Bruno four.
The Cyclones showed signs of life in the third and fourth innings. McKenna Andrews smashed a two-run homer—her second of the year—in the third, while a three-run rally in the fourth brought ISU within three, highlighted by a clutch two-RBI single from Ashley Minor.
But Kansas responded immediately in the fifth with four more runs to put the game out of reach. Katie Brooks went the distance in the circle for KU, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out four. Ralston (8-7) started for Iowa State but was tagged for four runs over three innings.
Series Notes:
- Iowa State took two of three games in the series, moving to 11-7 in Big 12 play.
- Kansas snapped a five-game conference skid with Saturday’s win.
- Power Surge: Five home runs were hit across the final two games, including two from KU’s Cripe and one each from Andrews, Bagshaw, Bruno, Malott, and Wallace.
- Clutch Cyclones: Iowa State has now won four Big 12 series this season, with Friday’s walk-off marking their second last-at-bat win in conference play.
On Deck:
Iowa State returns to action Monday, April 21, hosting South Dakota State in a doubleheader at the Cyclone Sports Complex. First pitch is set for 1 p.m., with game two beginning approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the opener. Both games will stream live on ESPN+, and admission is free.
