FLORENCE, Ala. -- North Alabama scored first but then gave up eight runs in the bottom of the first inning in an eventual 12-1 road loss to Samford.

The Lions were held to just four hits but left seven runners on base.

After the first inning explosion, Samford was held scoreless for the next three innings before adding three runs in the fifth inning and one in the sixth.

UNA's Ethan Walker singled to open the game and eventually scored when Kyle Machado hit into a double play. Walker would end the game with two of UNA's four hits.

North Alabama starter Justin Battle (0-3) took the loss, allowing eight runs on seven hits in just two-thirds of an inning. Avery Brown pitched three and a third innings of scoreless relief. Josh Bowerman allowed three runs in one inning of relief and Bryce Richter allowed the final run in one inning of work.

UNA hosts a three-game ASUN Conference series at home this weekend against FGCU.