Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2016-17 | Hawk Talk Monthly — February | Box Score | Boxscore
SAN MARCOS, Texas – The University of Iowa scored four runs in the final two innings but dropped a 7-4 decision to Texas Tech on Saturday afternoon at the CenturyLink Classic. Iowa is now 2-2 on the season.
“Our kids didn’t give up and quit. They showed a lot of fight there at the end,” said UI head coach Marla Looper. “Unfortunately, we were down five runs going into the sixth. We finally put some at-bats together and made some adjustments. We just have to get back on the horse, and right now we’re even, so tomorrow we get to come out and win the weekend and finish on a strong note. To do that, we have to commit to the plan and execute.”
Allison Doocy racked up a career-high seven strikeouts in 4.0 innings. Cheyenne Pratt, Brooke Rozier and Claire Fritch each hit a single, while Kaitlyn Mullarkey amassed her third double of the season.
After three scoreless innings, Texas Tech took the lead in the top of the fourth inning. Ashley Fultz hit a two-run double and Dominique Thomey singled to score Fultz. In the top of the fifth inning, Raina O’Neal hit a two-RBI home run to extend the Red Raider’s lead to 5-0.
Iowa answered in the bottom of the sixth. Mullarkey hit a double to left field to lead off for Iowa. Pratt reached on an error, and Mullarkey advanced on the play. Pratt then stole second and Mullarkey scored on the throw to cut into Texas Tech’s lead, 5-1.
After the Red Raiders scored two more in the top of the seventh inning, the Hawkeyes dug in and scored three runs. Fritsch singled through the left side and advanced to second as Angela Schmiederer grounded out. McKenzie Schneider was walked and Devin Cantu entered as a pinch hitter.
Cantu walked to load the bases before Mullarkey hit a single up the middle to score Fritsch and Schneider. Taylor re-entered the game and later scored on a Daniella Ibarra ground out.
The Hawkeyes take the field again tomorrow as they face Abilene Christian at 10 a.m. (CT) in their final game of the CenturyLink Classic.