Cyclones Drop Series-Opener to No. 3 OSU

STILLWATER, Okla. – Iowa State fell to No. 3 Oklahoma State in Friday night's game, 5-2, in the first action of the weekend series.

Iowa State (13-24, 1-9 Big 12) started the game strong, notching a run in the first inning thanks to a Kasey Simpson RBI single. However, Oklahoma State (38-3, 7-0 Big 12) scattered five runs across its last three innings to take a 5-1 lead into the seventh. An Alesia Ranches RBI double drove in Carli Spelhaug but that was it for the Cyclones as they fell by three runs.

Oklahoma State starting pitcher Kelly Maxwell stayed perfect on the season, moving to 13-0, as she punched out 11 Cyclones on the day, keeping the ISU offense at bay.

How it Happened
Iowa State got off to a quick start on Friday night, putting a run on the board in the top of the first. With one out, Mikayla Ramos smacked a single into right field and was able to advance to second thanks to a throwing error by the OSU outfielder. Two batters later, with two outs, Kasey Simpson hit a single of her own into center. Ramos had a great jump and was able to score from second to put the Cyclones up a run.

The Cyclones would take their one-run lead into the bottom of the fourth where the Cowgirl offense started to find its footing. Oklahoma State had a solo home run to start the inning and drove in another runner to take a 2-1 lead.

OSU tacked on another pair of runs in the fifth after hitting a two-run homer to extend its advantage to three, leading 4-1. In the bottom of the sixth, the Cowgirls tacked on a fifth and final run off an RBI single.

The Cyclones threatened to rally in the top of the seventh, as Carli Spelhaug led the inning off with a double and was later driven in by an Alesia Ranches double to cut the lead to 5-2. Ranches would advance to third but she'd be left there as OSU closed out ISU to take a three-run victory.

Friday Notes
Home Runs
ISU: N/A
OK State: Rachel Becker (3), Chyenne Factor (2)

WP – Kelly Maxwell (13-0): 7.0 IP, 6 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 1 walk, 11 strikeouts
SV – N/A
LP – Jaiden Ralston (3-7): 3.1 IP, 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout

Up Next
The Cyclones will return to Cowgirl Stadium tomorrow, April 15, to face off with No. 3 Oklahoma State in the second game of weekend series action. Saturday's contest is slated to begin at 2 p.m. and will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

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Team Stats

Alesia Ranches

Mikayla Ramos

Kasey Simpson

Carli Spelhaug

Players Mentioned

Jaiden Ralston

Mikayla Ramos

Alesia Ranches

Kasey Simpson

Carli Spelhaug

Players Mentioned

Jaiden Ralston

Mikayla Ramos

Alesia Ranches

Kasey Simpson

Carli Spelhaug

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