CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? Austin Peay State University's baseball team lost the finale of its Ohio Valley Conference opening series with Eastern Kentucky, 11-6, Sunday, at Raymond C. Hand Park. This marks the second consecutive season the Govs have opened league play dropping a series to the Colonels

Austin Peay (9-12, 1-2 OVC), much like Saturday, took an early 4-2 lead into the top of the third. Freshman Michael Blanchard reached on an error, in the first inning, stole his way around the bases and scored when sophomore Greg Bachman was thrown out attempting to steal second. Junior Trey Lucas later scored junior Matt Kole ? who reached on a walk ? to account for the Govs first inning runs.

In the second, the bottom of the lineup pulled through for a couple of runs. Junior Zach Gerler singled to lead off and freshman Jon Clinard ripped a double down the left field line to move him to third. Blanchard scored Gerler on a sacrifice fly and an RBI single by Bachman plated Clinard.

Eastern Kentucky (11-6, 2-1 OVC) warmed up the bats in its next two innings, scoring once in the third before manufacturing three runs in the fourth off RBI-base hits. The Govs, meanwhile, stranded eight runners over the next four innings.

For the second straight game, Austin Peay allowed a big inning to the Colonels, this time a five-run seventh inning. EKU homered three times in the frame, including a pair of two-run home runs, to take an 11-4 lead.

The Govs scored two more runs in the eighth, but their ninth-inning rally ended with two runners on base.

Austin Peay starter Ricky Marshall (2-1) was tagged with the loss, pitching 3.1 innings, allowing six runs on eight hits while striking out four. Jacob Brisbin pitched 3.1 innings of relief, allowing five runs and striking out three. Daniel Tenholder pitched the final 2.1 innings, allowing only one hit and striking out three.

Offensively, the Govs rapped out 14 hits, but stranded 17 runners on the day. Junior Adam Browett and Lucas led the Govs with three hits each. Bachman and Clinard each had two hits, marking the latter's first mulit-hit game.

Paul Duncan (3-2) earned the win for EKU, allowing four runs (two earned) in six innings. Tyler Rehmel went 4-for-6 to lead the Colonels at the plate.

Austin Peay returns to action with a 6 p.m., Tuesday, game at Vanderbilt before returning home to host Evansville in a 6 p.m., Wednesday, tilt at Raymond C. Hand Park.
-AP-