Bartholomew’s heroics save Cyclones in rivalry game
IOWA CITY — While the rain appeared heavy at times on the Big Ten Network stream it was a case of “when it rains, it pours” as Iowa State (23-15, 4-8 Big 12) and Iowa (21-17, 5-10 Big Ten) combined for five home runs, punctuated by Reagan Bartholomew’s game-winning two-run homer to deep center field in the top of the seventh that secured the 9-7 victory for the Cyclones at Pearl Field on Wednesday. Serayah Neiss was tagged with the loss, her fifth of the season, while Lauren Schurman earned the win – her 13th of the season – for the Cyclones after retiring the Hawkeyes in order in the bottom of the seventh. Early Defensive Stands The game began as a defensive struggle, with neither team scoring in the first two innings.
In the top of the first, Iowa’s defense ended a threat when catcher Leah McAnally threw out Jessie Clemons at second base for a caught stealing. The Cyclones responded on defense in the second inning when Kadence Shepherd, Reagan Bartholomew, and Sydney Malott combined for a double play to neutralize an Iowa walk. Third Inning Offensive Explosion The scoring erupted in the third inning as Iowa State built a four-run lead.
After McKenna Andrews drew a walk, Tatum Johnson hit a two-run home run to deep right field. T3 | Tower Power from Tatum 💪💪 The senior puts us 🔛🔝 🌪️🥎🌪️ | @tatum_johnsonnn pic. twitter.
com/iEAFoIyUdK — Iowa State Softball (@CycloneSB) April 8, 2026 Reagan Bartholomew followed with a double, setting the stage for Kadence Shepherd to launch another two-run home run, extending the lead to 4-0. T3 | @ShepherdKadence with a 💣 of her own! Second two-run blast of the frame puts us up four 😎 🌪️🥎🌪️ pic.
twitter. com/Oz3jPGAePf — Iowa State Softball (@CycloneSB) April 8, 2026 This prompted Iowa to replace starting pitcher Avery Sapp with Carly Brewer. Iowa responded immediately in the bottom of the third.