CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - A day after its relief corps closed out a victory, Austin Peay State University's baseball team saw its relievers surrender a big inning in a 15-8 loss to Illinois State, Sunday, in the final game of the Riverview Inn Classic at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Austin Peay (2-1) surrendered a lead three times in the contest, but was able to come back each time and led 8-6 after eight innings. However, the Govs pitching staff surrendered a nine runs in the final inning to allow a fourth Illinois State comeback and Austin Peay would not be able to recover.

Illinois State (1-2) was held in check through the first six innings with second baseman Kevin Tokarski's two hits the lone blemishes as Austin Peay held a 3-2 advantage after six innings. Both teams traded four-run seventh innings and the Govs added a run in the eighth.

But the Redbirds sent 12 men to the plate in their nine-run ninth inning. Tokarski and first baseman Zach Amrein each recording two-run doubles along with shortstop Brett Kay's two-run single.

Austin Peay's Zach Gerler (0-1) suffered the loss after retiring the side in order in the eighth he recorded just one out while facing 10 batters in the ninth. He allowed nine runs on four hits, three walks and hit two batters.

Left-hander Stephen Huff, the Govs starter, left with no decision after allowing two runs on two hits and six walks while striking out eight over five innings.

Jared DeLong helped the Govs regain the lead in the seventh with his pinch hit three-run double. Designated hitter Cody Hudson recorded three hits.

Illinois State's Cam Verbeke (1-0) picked up the victory after surrendering Austin Peay's go-ahead run in the eighth. He allowed that one run on two hits and struck out two in 1.2 innings of relief. ISU starter Corey Maines did not factor into the decision after allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits while striking out six over four innings.

Designated hitter Anthony Ruffolo and catcher Matt Mirabal each had three RBI while Tokarski finished the day 3-for-4 with three walks and two RBI.

Austin Peay makes its first trip to Nashville to square of against Southeastern Conference foe Vanderbilt in a 4 p.m., Tuesday contest at Hawkins Field.

- AP -