AMES, Iowa – The Drake University softball team scored seven unanswered runs capped by a three-run home run from Laura Anderson in the top of the seventh inning to defeat Iowa State Tuesday afternoon, 7-6.
 
Anderson's two-out blast to left field capped a 2-for-4 afternoon with four RBI. Makayla Rice and Addie Lightner each had a pair of hits as well.
 
After Drake fell behind 6-0 early behind three early errors, Nicole Timmons entered the circle. She proceeded to throw 5.1 scoreless innings, striking out six batters and only allowing three hits to earn the win.
 
Anderson helped put the first dent into the Cyclones' lead in the top of the sixth inning when she singled through the infield's left side to score Rice for Drake's first run of the game. Drake added another run on a wild pitch to make the score 6-2.
 
The rally continued in the top of the seventh inning when Haylee Lehman walked to start the frame and Emily Valtman and Addie Lightner followed with back-to-back singles. After an out, Rice singled up the middle to plate Valtman and cut the Bulldogs' deficit in half and Valtman then scored on a wild pitch.
 
Following a pop out, Anderson stepped into the box with two outs and runners on second and third. Facing a 2-2 count, she delivered her game-winning homer that also brought Lightner and Rice across the plate.
 
Timmons kept the Cyclones (23-15) off the board in the bottom of the inning, retiring the first two batters before allowing a triple that carried to the wall in center field. However, she promptly induced a pop-up to the shortstop to end the game and complete the Bulldogs' come-from-behind win.
 
Drake (8-25) returns home to continue conference play this weekend with a series against Evansville. The first of three games against the Aces is set for noon Saturday at Ron Buel Field.