FLORENCE, Ala. -- North Alabama built a 5-1 lead and held off a late Alabama A&M rally as the Lions downed the Bulldogs 6-5 at Mike Lane Field.

With the win, UNA improves to 12-32, while Alabama A&M is 13-35.

UNA broke the game open with a three-run third inning. The Bulldogs got a run back in the fourth but the Lions answered with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings for a 5-1 advantage. A&M made it 5-3 with runs in the sixth and seventh inning, UNA pushed it to 6-3 with a run in the bottom of the seventh and A&M scored two in the eighth and left two runners on base.

UNA closer Kaleb Barnes came on to retire the Bulldogs in order in the ninth to preserve the win.

Josh Stillman (2-1) got the win for UNA, pitching five and a third innings, allowing two runs on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

In the third inning, UNA got a leadoff home run from Peyton Thomas and Davis Elliott followed with a single and Kevin Brenning had an RBI-double. The final run of the frame came when Brenning scored on a throwing error during a double-steal.

In the fourth, UNA's Tate Mathis reached on an error and scored on a Thomas RBI-double.

UNA's run in the fifth scored when Peyton Thomas walked, stole second, went too third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Reid Homan.

North Alabama's final run came in the seventh when Ben Kiefer walked, stole second and scored on an RBI-single by Colt Chrestman.

UNA was out-hit 11 to eight in the game but the Lions stole 11 bases in 13 attempts.

North Alabama hosts a three-game ASUN Conference series beginning Friday at Mike lane Field against NJIT.