AMES, Iowa ? Iowa State took an early 3-0 lead on eighth-ranked Baylor, but the Bears scored six runs in the fifth inning to storm back to defeat the Cyclones 11-3 on Sunday afternoon at the Southwest Athletic Complex. With the loss, ISU falls to 18-29 overall and 3-13 in Big 12 play.
In Iowa State's first at-bat of the day, senior Kim Rodgers led off in grand fashion with a solo home run to centerfield. Junior Cary Akins singled in left before moving to second on a passed ball and on to third on an error by Baylor catcher Melissa Huffhines. A double to center by sophomore Ashley Killeen scored Akins to give the Cyclones a 2-0 lead. In the second inning, ISU took a 3-0 lead with a RBI single by Rodgers to chase home freshman Kristy Olsen from second. Olsen had reached base on an error by second baseman Carrie Leerberg and then went to second on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Fallon Johnson. For Rodgers, who finished the day 2-for-3 at the plate, it was her second run batted in on the day.
However, Baylor did not give up. In the fourth, the Bears scored two runs to close within a run of the Cyclones. In the fifth, Baylor assumed an 8-3 lead with six runs in the inning with two Iowa State errors contributing to the Bears effort. Then in the sixth, they added to their lead with three more scores to take an 11-3 advantage to put the game away. In the bottom half of the sixth, the ISU side was retired in order and the game was ended by virtue of the eight-run rule.
Sophomore pitcher Alyssa Ransom's record falls to 11-17 with the loss.
The Cyclones have the week off for final exams before wrapping up the regular season next weekend at home when they host Kansas at the Southwest Athletic Complex. Saturday's game is set for 2 p.m. first pitch and Sunday's regular-season finale is slated for noon start. Prior to the start of Sunday's game, the Iowa State senior class of Misty Kimura, Kim Rodgers, Diana Reuter and Amber Wood will be honored.