IOWA CITY, Iowa ? The Iowa State softball team fell to No. 20 Iowa, 4-0, as the Hawkeyes scored a pair of runs in the third inning and another two in the sixth inning on Tuesday at Iowa's Pearl Field. The Cyclones had a solid defensive game, registering a double play and clutch catches in both the infield and outfield, but couldn't generate any offense, recording only two hits. With the loss, ISU falls to 13-26 on the year.
The game was the final contest in the first annual Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series. With the win tonight, and the two academic points included, the Hawkeyes win the series by a total score of 13-8.
The game started off slowly with both teams playing solid defense as the contest remained in a scoreless tie through two innings. Iowa jumped on the scoreboard in a big way in the bottom of the third inning when Hawkeye shortstop Stacy May hit a solo homer over the right field wall to give Iowa a 1-0 lead. It was May's eighth home run of the year. Iowa scored again later in the inning when right fielder Kylie Murray scored from second base off a RBI single by catcher Emily Nichols to give Iowa a 2-0 lead after three innings of play.
The Hawkeyes threatened to score again in the bottom of the fifth inning, but was thwarted by Iowa State's solid defense. Iowa left fielder Natalie Johnson hit a double to left field and advanced to third off a sacrifice fly by May. Second baseman Summer Downs hit a line drive to third base which senior third baseman Diana Reuter caught and immediately tagged May to record the third out of the inning.
Iowa scored its final two runs of the game when senior pitcher Lisa Birocci hit a single to shortstop, which sent designated hitter Sami Baugh to third. However, an error on ISU shortstop Cary Akins, throwing to first sent Baugh home for the score. Birocci was then sent home when first baseman Brandi Sargent reached base off an error by ISU first baseman Jessica Quade. The Hawkeyes had a 4-0 lead after six innings.
Sophomore Alyssa Ransom was on the mound for the Cyclones and suffered the loss, her record falling to 7-15. ISU had hits from sophomores Katie Reichling and Ashley Killeen.
The Cyclones have a quick turnaround as they travel to Des Moines to take on Drake on Wednesday with first pitch set for 4 p.m. at Drake's Buel Field.
