CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? The defense solidified, the pitching was strong and the offense created just enough runs as Austin Peay State University's baseball team picked up a 6-4 victory against Milwaukee, Sunday, to salvage a win from the three-game series.

Austin Peay's (8-7) offense again struck early with a run in the first inning. Center fielder Rafael Hill walked to start the inning, advanced on a bunt single and a groundout before scoring on first baseman Matt Kole's sacrifice fly.

Milwaukee (3-11) responded back as left fielder Nich Wichser led off the second inning courtesy a walk and two outs later scoring on catcher Shaun Wegner's single, tying the game.

Designated hitter Chad Cunningham sparked a Govs rally in the third inning, beating out a ball hit at the UWM first baseman with two outs to extend the inning. He then stole second base followed by third baseman Tyler Farrar reaching via a base on balls. Cunningham remained aggressive, stealing third base and forcing a wild throw by the catcher which allowed him to scamper home. One pitch later, Kole singled to left field where the fielder misplayed the ball, allowing Farrar to score, giving the Govs a 3-1 lead.

Milwaukee's third error of the game came in the fourth inning, permitting leadoff hitter Josh Kemph to reach base. He stole second base and two outs later scored on second baseman J.B. Gilbert's single through the left side.

The two teams traded runs in the fifth, with a leadoff double sparking each team's score. Designated hitter Tim Patzman doubled to left to start UWM's half of the fifth and scored on second baseman Cole Kraft's groundout. Hill doubled to open APSU's half of the same inning and later scored of Farrar's single to left field, giving the Govs a 5-2 advantage.

Milwaukee threatened in the sixth inning as the first four batters singled off Austin Peay starter Ryne Mantooth, center fielder Doug Dekoning finishing the rally with a single that scored two runs, one coming on the Govs lone error due to a misplay in left field. Mantooth retired the next two batters he faced before making way for reliever David Vicini who induced a groundout to end the threat with Austin Peay still leading, 5-4.

Austin Peay scored an insurance run in the seventh. With two out, Kole singled up the middle and moved to second courtesy a passed ball. That miscue proved costly as right fielder Will Hogue single up the middle to push Kole home for a 6-4 lead.

Vicini made things interesting in the eighth, putting the tying run on base following back-to-back singles. Milwaukee attempted to bunt the runners over, but Vicini fielded the bunt and threw to third for the inning's first out. He made way for closer Daniel Tenholder who induced an inning-ending double play.

Mantooth (3-0) threw a solid 6.2 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits while striking out five. Tenholder picked up his season's third save after 1.2 innings.

After committing seven errors in the series' first two games, Austin Peay's defense posted just one error in Sunday's outing. Offensively, the Govs posted 12 hits on the day as Cunningham, Kole, Gilbert and shortstop Greg Bachman each had two hits.

UWM starter Andy Hetebrueg (0-4) picked up the loss after allowing five runs (three earned) on eight hits over six innings. The Panthers finished the series with a 12-hit outing, Patzman leading the Panthers with a 3-for-4 effort.

Austin Peay returns to action with a 6 p.m., Wednesday contest, against Middle Tennessee at Raymond C. Hand Park. The Govs were originally scheduled to play Indiana State, Tuesday, but that game has been canceled due to scheduling problems.

- AP -