CLARKSVILLE - A seven-run fourth inning proved more than enough as Austin Peay State University's baseball team posted an 11-5 non-conference victory against Middle Tennessee, Tuesday night at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Austin Peay (14-10) trailed 3-1 entering the bottom of the fourth, but took advantage of a timely Middle Tennessee error to begin a two-out rally that catapulted it into the lead for good. The Govs had two outs after their first three batters of the inning before third baseman Shayne Martin extended the inning with a walk. Second baseman Jon Clinard reached safely on an error by the third baseman, allowing the inning's first run to score. Center fielder Jared DeLong followed with an RBI single, tying the game and chasing MTSU starter Kevin Whittaker.

Tyler Hyde, Middle Tennessee's first reliever, was unable to squelch the outburst, walking catcher Trey Lucas to load the bases. Designated hitter Matt Kole followed with a two-run single, giving APSU a 5-3 lead. Right fielder Adam Browett followed with the inning's biggest blow, a three-run home run to left field that gave the Govs a 8-3 advantage. Hyde would surrender another walk before inducing a pop out to end the inning.

Austin Peay tacked on runs in each of the next three innings. Lucas added an RBI single in the fifth. Browett led off the sixth with a double, stole third and scored on a wild pitch. Martin led off the seventh with a double and scored on DeLong's RBI single to cap the night's scoring.

Middle Tennessee (15-9) had plenty of opportunities following the Govs fourth-inning outburst, but stranded nine runners in the final five innings. The Blue Raiders left the bases loaded in the fifth as reliever Matt Kole came on in relief to strikeout the two batters he faced to end the threat. MTSU scored twice in the sixth off Kole, but were stymied with runners on the corners after reliever Dylan Ray induced a fielder's choice for an out and the ended the frame with a strikeout.

Ray (1-0) picked up the victory after striking out four batters and allowing one hit over 1.2 scoreless innings. APSU starter Eric Davis went four innings allowing three runs on six hits.

Whittaker (2-3) was saddled with the loss for MTSU after allowing five runs (two earned) on four hits and four walks over 3.2 innings.

The Govs offense needed just 11 hits in the victory, DeLong leading the effort with a 3-for-5, two RBI outing. Lucas and Browett each added two hits.

Middle Tennessee's defense committed five errors in the contest, leading to four unearned runs, and overshadowing a 12-hit performance. Designated hitter Justin Guidry and center fielder Blake McDade each had three hits to lead the offensive effort.

Austin Peay begins an eight-game, nine-day road trip with a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series at defending regular-season champion Eastern Illinois. Due to the Easter holiday, the series begins with a 1 p.m., Friday doubleheader before concluding with a 1 p.m., Saturday contest.

NOTES: The win snapped APSU's seven-game losing streak to Middle Tennessee... It was Austin Peay's first win in the series since March 15, 2006...The Govs improved to 14-4 at Raymond C. Hand Park, they are just 1-6 on the road.

- AP -