CLARKSVILLE - Four hours, 26 runs, and 27 hits after it started, Austin Peay State University's baseball team dropped a 15-11 non-conference contest to Evansville, Tuesday at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Evansville (7-10) posted the game's first big inning - a six-run second inning that put it up 7-0. Center fielder Greg Wallace's two-run single chased Austin Peay starter Stephen Huff. Third baseman Trentt Copeland closed the inning's scoring with an RBI-double - one of eight doubles the Purple Aces recorded in the contest.

Austin Peay (9-7) closed the deficit with a five-run fourth inning, but trailed 9-5 after the outburst. Second baseman Jon Clinard and right fielder Jared DeLong each had RBI singles before catcher Trey Lucas struck a two-run double.

The Purple Aces weren't done scoring though, posting three in the fifth along with a run in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, to extend their lead to 15-5. Wallace had the only big hit in that span, a two-run home run in the fourth.

The Govs rallied in their half of the eighth as six men reached base with one out. Pinch hitters Scott Uebelhor, Shayne Martin and left fielder Matt Kole each walked with the bases loaded. Evansville's pitcher uncorked a wild pitch to allow another run to reach home. But DeLong's two-run single brought the Govs within four runs. Pinch hitter Haskell Fink singled to chase the Evansville reliever and closer Corey Davisson induced a ground out to end the threat.

DeLong led the Govs with a 2-for-4, three RBI effort and third baseman Chris Lewellyn also had two hits. Catcher Trey Lucas finished 1-for-4 with two RBI. Austin Peay posted 11 hits in the contest.

Huff (2-2) suffered the loss after allowing six runs on five hits in 1.2 innings. The Govs used seven pitchers in the contest, the first six each surrendering at least one run. Closer Zach Gerler tossed a scoreless ninth inning.

Wallace had an impressive night for the Purple Aces, going 5-for-6 with five RBI, including four doubles and a home run. Copeland added a 3-for-5, four-RBI outing as Evansville finished with 16 hits.

Evansville starter Seth McCabe (2-0) was the beneficiary of the outburst, picking up the win after allowing four runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four. Corey Davisson picked up his season's first save after tossing 1.1 innings of scoreless relief.

Austin Peay returns to action when it hosts the Governors Challenge, beginning Friday, at Raymond C. Hand Park. Centenary and Georgia State will kickoff the weekend's action with a 6:30 p.m., Friday contest. Austin Peay will face Georgia State in a 1 p.m., Saturday outing to begin play in the weekend tournament.

- AP -