CLARKSVILLE - Shortstop Reed Harper's squeeze bunt in the ninth inning provided the winning run as Austin Peay State University's baseball scored a 4-3 victory against Lipscomb, Wednesday night, at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Austin Peay (11-9) took advantage of a Lipscomb miscue to start the inning as center fielder Michael Blanchard struck out but reached base courtesy a wild pitch. He would move into scoring position with a stolen base and was pushed to third base courtesy pinch hitter Daniel Baggett's two-strike sacrifice bunt. Harper got to two strikes as well attempting to get the bunt down but was successful on his third try. Blanchard streaked home and was called safe as the Bisons catcher dropped the ball at home plate.

Lipscomb (6-15) lost despite grabbing an early lead and then coming from behind in the ninth to tie the game. The Bisons scored the game's first two runs, plating one run each in the second and third innings. Austin Peay responded with two runs in the fourth to tie the game and a run in the eighth to take the lead. Lipscomb drew even in the ninth when left fielder M.L. Williams' belted a one-out double and later scored on right fielder Lee Wilson's two-out single up the middle to tie the game, 3-3.

Austin Peay closer Zach Gerler (2-1) picked up the win after allowing one run on two hits while striking out four over the final 1.2 innings. Starter Eric Davis went 5.0 innings allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits and struck out three. The Govs used six pitchers in the contest.

Lipscomb closer Dennie Strable (0-3) was tagged for the loss after allowing the winning run with one out in the ninth, his only action of the contest. Bisons starter Chris Nunn allowed two runs on four hits over the opening four innings.

The Govs offense rapped out just six hits in the victory, left fielder Matt Kole and second baseman Jon Clinard each recording two hits. Catcher Jeff Smith came off the bench to score an RBI-double for his first collegiate hit, tying the game in the fourth. Third baseman Shayne Martin came off the bench to give the Govs a brief lead with his run-scoring fielder's choice in the eighth.

Lipscomb finished with nine hits, Lee Wilson and Williams each recording two hits.

Austin Peay opens Ohio Valley Conference play with a three-game series against Murray State, beginning with a 1 p.m., Saturday doubleheader at Raymond C. Hand Park.

- AP -