Cyclone Softball Downs No. 22 Baylor in Saturday Afternoon Action

WACO, Texas - The Iowa State softball team snapped a five-game conference losing streak with a 2-0 victory at No. 22 Baylor Saturday afternoon in Getterman Stadium. Erica Martinez pitched a complete game shutout to help the Cyclones improve to 15-15 overall and to 5-5 in Big 12 action. Martinez gave up just two hits on the afternoon and struck out five BU batters. With the loss Baylor falls to 40-13 overall and to 7-5 in league play.

The game remained tight for the opening five stanzas until Iowa State was able to break the tie, scoring a single run in the top of the fifth. Baylor had notched two outs against the Cyclones and had the third but left fielder Carrie Leerberg dropped the ball allowing Amberly Lessenger to score. Lessenger had gotten on the base path with a single up the middle earlier in the inning.

Once the Cyclones got the lead Martinez did her share to secure the win as she finished off what she had stated keeping the Bears off the scoreboard the remaining three innings. The win improved Martinez's overall record to 8-7 and evened her conference record at 3-3.

ISU widened its lead to two in the top of the seventh, when Katie Ruby homered over the center field wall. It was the second home run of the season for the Iowa Central transfer. Martinez then sat down Baylor in order in bottom of the seventh to bring home the win.

Adi Blackmon, Martinez, Lindsey Herrin, Ruby and Lessenger all recorded a hit on the day. Ruby got the Cyclones lone RBI with her home run.

Iowa State will finish off the two-game conference series at Baylor on Sunday. First pitch will be at Noon.