SACRAMENTO -- Trailing by two runs, Sacramento State scored three times in the sixth inning - highlighted by a two-run Lafulafu Malepeai home run - to beat Fresno State, 3-2, on Tuesday afternoon at Shea Stadium.

The Hornets had just one hit off Fresno State starter Keyannah Pu'a through five innings, but Bulldog head coach Stacy May-Johnson pulled Pu'a after she issued a leadoff walk in the sixth. That move back fired in a big way as Malepeai greeted reliever Serayah Neiss with a two-run shot that sailed well over the left field fence.

The Hornets weren't done, as Andrea Lira drew a one-out walk and was replaced by pinch runner Faith Epperson. The speedy Epperson stole second base, and advanced to third on a wild pitch. That set up Madison Evers-Lyles, who, after narrowly missing a two-run homer foul, came through with a sacrifice fly to score Epperson.

That gave the Hornets a 3-2 lead, and right-hander Alexa Ortiz was able to nail down the victory with a perfect seventh inning. Both Sacramento State pitchers were impressive today as starter Danyelle Leone went the first five innings, allowing just two runs (one earned) with a pair of strikeouts. Ortiz worked two shutout innings, striking out a pair.

Sacramento State has won three of its last four while improving to 17-18 overall. Fresno State dropped to 24-15. The win over Fresno State was the Hornets' first since 2013.

Ortiz got (5-6) got the win in relief, and Neiss (9-4) took the loss for Fresno State.

Malepeai had both Hornet hits in the contest, finishing 2-for-3 with a run, homer and two RBIs. Lira was 0-for-2 with a walk, and saw her career-best 15-game hitting streak come to an end. Buckley had a walk and a run scored.

The Hornets host Big Sky Conference foe Northern Colorado for a pair of games Friday at noon, and conclude the three-game set on Saturday at noon.