RICHMOND, Ky. - Austin Peay State University's baseball team was unable to keep its road momentum going, dropping both ends of an Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader - 10-1 and 8-4 - against Eastern Kentucky, Saturday afternoon at Turkey Hughes Field.

Austin Peay's (17-14, 3-5 OVC) defense caused the bulk of the problems in the series opener, committing a school-record tying eight errors. Starter Ricky Marshall saw two runs cross after an error in the second but was able to work around errors in the third and fifth innings without any additional runs scoring.

Eastern Kentucky (16-14, 5-3) made Austin Peay pay for its miscues in the seventh inning. The Govs ultimately committed four errors in the frame and the Colonels offense posted five hits all leading to seven runs. The outburst turned a 3-1 pitchers duel into a 10-1 blow out.

Marshall (5-4) suffered the loss after allowing seven runs (three earned) on five hits while striking out five. After allowing a pair of hits in the second inning he did not allow another base hit until surrendering a single in the seventh inning.

EKU starter Stephen Hefler (2-3) earned the victory after allowing one run on six hits over seven innings. The lone run he allowed came after the Colonels defense committed an error on an outfield hit, placing the Govs leadoff hitter in scoring position in the fifth. Austin Peay would score the run courtesy catcher Trey Lucas' single later in the inning.

Austin Peay's Ryne Harper got off to a rough start in the second game, surrendering three runs in the first inning and four runs in the third frame as the EKU offense took advantage of early opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Govs offense attempted to keep pace with a run in both the first and second innings, narrowing the gap to 3-2 before the Colonels four-run third inning outburst. Still, Austin Peay scored a pair of runs in the fourth to narrow the gap to 8-4. The Govs threatened in the seventh, loading the bases, but Colonels closer Matt Harris came on board and struck out the only batter he faced to end the contest, picking up his season's second save.

Harper (3-2) took the loss after allowing eight runs on eight hits over four innings.

EKU starter Paul Duncan (3-1) fell one out shy of the complete game victory, allowing four runs on eight hits.

First baseman John Hogan finished the day with four hits and a team-best two RBI to lead the APSU offense.

EKU's Jayson Langfels had three hits, including a triple and home run, and four RBI to lead EKU's offense in the doubleheader. Richie Allen and Richie Rodriguez each had four hits.

Austin Peay and Eastern Kentucky conclude their three-game OVC series with a noon (CDT), Sunday contest.

- AP -