CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? Austin Peay State University's baseball team seems unable to avoid the big inning, surrendering nine runs in the fourth inning of an 18-8 non-conference loss to Middle Tennessee, Wednesday, at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Middle Tennessee (21-4) sent 12 men to the plate and belted four home runs in that fourth frame. Left fielder Bryce Brentz started the long ball parade with a two-run home run and was followed by third baseman Rawley Bishop's solo home run. Designated hitter Grant Box, the ninth batter of the frame, belted a three-run blast before centerfielder Nathan Hines' two-run home run ended the barrage.

Austin Peay (10-17) battled back, scoring five runs in the sixth, including first baseman Matt Kole's leadoff home run. Pinch hitter Stephen Huff posted his first collegiate hit in the frame, a two-run single. The Govs tacked on two more runs courtesy a RBI ground out and a sacrifice fly, cutting the lead to 13-6.

The Blue Raiders responded with two runs in the seventh, which the Govs matched in their half of the inning via designated hitter Brooks Hunton's two-run home run. However, MTSU tacked on another three runs in the ninth to set the final margin.

The Govs used eight pitchers in the contest, starter Jeremy Dobbs (0-2) suffering the loss after allowing two runs on two hits and five walks in the first 2.2 innings. Reliever Ricky Marshall worked around an error in the eighth while strikin out the side. 

Centerfielder Jared DeLong led the Govs offense with a 4-for-5 effort in the leadoff spot. Kole and leftfielder Adam Browett each added three hits as the Govs finished with 15 hits.

Middle Tennessee starter Chad Edwards (4-0) picked up the victory after allowing six runs (five earned) on 11 hits in five-plus innings. Hines had two hits on the night ? a triple and home run ? and finished with five RBI.

Austin Peay continues its homestand when it opens a three-game non-conference set with SIU Edwardsville, with a 6 p.m., Friday contest.