BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Alabama State softball jumped out to an early lead, but Samford erupted for 13 unanswered runs over the final three innings to hand the Hornets a 14-5 loss Tuesday afternoon at the Samford Softball Stadium.

The Hornets (2-4) scored five runs in the first three innings and led 5-1 midway through the third before Samford answered with a five-run third inning and an eight-run fourth to pull away.

Alana Scott paced Alabama State at the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Scott doubled home a run in the first inning and later added an RBI single in the third. Talee Sims went a perfect 3-for-3 with a run scored, while Arianna Cox drove in two runs with a two-run double in the third inning.

Alabama State struck first in the opening inning. Jaibriel Terrell singled and later scored on Scott's double to left-center. Scott came home moments later on a caught-stealing play to give the Hornets a 2-0 lead.

After Samford got on the board with a solo home run in the second, Alabama State extended the advantage in the third. Scott's RBI single plated JaNiyah Boykin before Cox delivered a two-run double to push the Hornets ahead 5-1.

Samford (2-4) responded immediately, scoring five runs in the bottom of the third, highlighted by Shannon Weems' three-run home run. The Bulldogs then broke the game open with an eight-run fourth inning, capitalizing on six hits, two Alabama State errors and a pair of wild pitches.

Weems finished 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs to lead Samford, while Katie Campbell added a two-run triple during the decisive fourth inning.

Kaitlyn Hill (0-2) took the loss for Alabama State, allowing six runs in 2 1/3 innings. Amanda Cintr and Mason Quinni also saw action in the circle. Claire McArthur earned the win for Samford after tossing 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief.

The game was called after five innings due to the run rule.

Alabama State takes on St. John's on Friday at The Spring Games in Leesburg, Fla.