TROY, Ala.-- The Iowa State softball team only needed on inning to score, but in the end it proved to be enough. The Cyclones scored all of their runs in the fifth inning to shut out Troy, 3-0, Friday in Troy, Ala. With the win, ISU sweeps the tow-game series with the Trojans and earn their fourth straight victory overall. Iowa State improves 9-13 on the year.
The Cyclones did all of their damage in the fifth with two outs beginning with a single by junior Cary Akins. Senior Diana Reuter got on base due to an error by the first baseman. Akins was able to advance to second on the Trojan mistake. Senior Misty Kimura then singled, driving home Akins. Reuter advanced to third, but was able to score on throwing error by the Troy centerfielder and Kimura moved to third on the same miscue. In ISU's next at bat, Jennifer Bigbee singled to left to chase home sophomore Fallon Johnson, who pinch ran for Kimura.
Sophomore pitcher Katie Reichling evened her record at 4-4 with the complete game win. Reichling scattered six hits over seven innings while fanning four Troy batters and giving up a walk.
Iowa State completes its spring break trip with a 4-3 mark.
The Cyclones open their Big 12 season on March 25 at No. 9 Oklahoma. In last year's series, Iowa State split its two meetings with the Sooners, then ranked 20th, in Ames. OU won the first game 6-1, but ISU bounced back to post a 2-1 triumph in the second contest.