Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State University
Iowa State
Cowgirls Fall to Cyclones, 11-8
April 05, 2013 | Cowgirl Softball
April 5, 2013
AMES, Iowa – Oklahoma State's Cowgirl softball team lost an 11-8 decision to the Iowa State Cylcones here Friday afternoon in the Big 12 Conference series opener. OSU took an early 2-0 lead, tied the game at 6-6 and rallied in the seventh, but lost to ISU, ended a four-game winning streak vs the Cyclones.
The Cowgirls led 2-0 in the top of the second on a bases-loaded double by Ari Morrison. Iowa State responded in the bottom of the frame, scoring five runs, including four on a grand slam by Tori Torrescano off Cowgirl starter Kat Espinosa (13-8). A leadoff home run in the third gave ISU a 6-2 lead.
In the top of the fourth, the Cowgirls drew three-straight walks to lead off the inning, running starting pitcher Riley Fisher from the pitcher's circle. Tarah Ettinger hit a two-run double off reliever Taylor Smith. A bases-loaded walk by Tiffany Mikkelson added a run, and OSU tied the score on a base hit by Shelby Davis at 6-6.
A run in the bottom of the fourth and four more in the sixth gave Iowa State an 11-6 cushion. OSU scored two in the top of the seventh on three-straight hits and a sacrifice fly, but two more fly outs ended the rally with Iowa State clinging to a 11-8 win.
Morrison, in her second start after missing 30 games this season due to injury, went 3-for-4 with three runs batted in. Ettinger went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, Gessenia DeLaCruz went 2-for-3 with three runs scored, and Davis also went 2-for-3.
Espinosa threw four innings before Simone Freeman came on in relief. Espinosa allowed seven runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four. Freeman went two innings, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three.
Oklahoma State (24-15 overall, 2-2 Big 12) and Iowa State (15-19, 1-3) will play the second game of the series on Saturday at noon at the Cyclone Sports Complex.
