Iowa State Dominates South Dakota State, 7-1

AMES, Iowa ? The Iowa State bats came alive pounding out 12 hits, including a pair of home runs from junior Cary Akins and sophomore Ashley Killeen, as the Cyclones defeated South Dakota State, 7-1, on Thursday at the Southwest Athletic Complex. It was the first-ever meeting between the two teams. ISU improves to 17-28 on the year with the victory.

Iowa State broke on top with a run in the first on an RBI single to center by sophomore Jessica Quade, scoring senior Kim Rodgers from second. Rodgers, who finished the day 4-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored, reached on a single to right and was moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Akins. The Cyclones added to their lead in the bottom of the second on an RBI single to center by sophomore Fallon Johnson to plate senior Diana Reuter, who earlier singled to left and moved to second on another sacrifice bunt by sophomore Jennifer Bigbee. Reuter finished the game 2-for-3 at the dish.

In the third inning, sophomore Katie Reichling singled to short to set up Killeen's home run, a 220-foot shot to straight away center field. The Cyclones added to their margin of victory with a three-run sixth. Johnson led off the game with a triple to right center. Johnson went 2-for-3 at the plate on the afternoon. Rodgers reached on an infield hit to put two on for Akins who had a three-run blast over the wall in left center for her second career home run.

Reichling earned the complete-game pitching victory, improving her record to 7-10 on the season. She gave up one earned run on three hits while striking out three.

“We were excited to get on the field today,” head coach Ruth Crowe said. “I thought we played well today. It really gave us a chance to prepare for our remaining games. I thought Katie pitched a good game today and both Cary (Akins) and Ashley (Killeen) hit good balls. Now, we just need to focus on Baylor.”

ISU completes the non-conference portion of its schedule with a 15-16 mark.

Iowa State returns to Big 12 action this weekend at home against Baylor. Saturday's contest is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start and Sunday's game is slated for a noon first pitch. The Cyclones are 7-7 all-time against the Bears. Last season, ISU fell to Baylor, 6-2, in the only meeting between the two teams.

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