CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay's Catie Cozart hit the first pitch she saw in the bottom of the eighth inning deep into right-center field, scoring Tiffany Smith from third with the game-winning run, as the Lady Govs softball team defeated Tennessee State, 2-1, in an Ohio Valley Conference game Wednesday night.

The game-winning hit was Cozart's fourth this season and second in a row, as she also recorded the game-winner in Sunday's 4-2 victory at Murray State.

Smith opened the eighth by drawing a walk, which was followed by another walk to  Jessica Chernak to get Smith into scoring position at second base.

Tennessee State (10-25, 5-9 OVC) got the inning's first out on a fly ball to right, and then intentionally walked Shine Huwe to load the bases, setting up Cozart's heroics.

The Lady Govs and Lady Tigers were scoreless through the first four and a half innings, before Austin Peay broke the 0-0 deadlock in the bottom of the fifth inning on a two-out infield single by Smith. That scored pinch runner Tia Johnson, who pinch ran for Amy Mills after the Lady Govs catcher opened the inning with a single.

Tennessee State tied the game, 1-1, in the top of the sixth on an RBI single by Brittany Webb, scoring Bridget Metzger, who opened the inning by reaching on a throwing error by the Lady Govs.

The Lady Tigers had a chance to take the lead later in the inning, but the Lady Govs turned a double play, with the second out coming on a tag at the plate on a heads-up play by Austin Peay first baseman Shelby Norton, who threw to Mills when TSU tried to score from all way from second on an infield groundout to shortstop.

Morgan Brewer (10-7) recorded the Lady Govs complete-game victory, allowing seven hits and one unearned run while striking out four and walking none.

Austin Peay will return to action this weekend, as they will host Morehead State in a three-game OVC series at Lady Govs Field, beginning with a, 1 p.m., Saturday doubleheader followed by a noon, Sunday single game.

--AP--