BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Austin Peay's baseball team struck first, but could not hold off a streaking Western Kentucky squad, falling 5-2 in non-conference action, Tuesday night, at Nick Denes Field.

After leaving the bases loaded in the third inning, Austin Peay (9-10) drew first blood, scoring two runs on third baseman Greg Bachman 's two-out double in the fourth inning.

However, Western Kentucky (14-6), which entered the game winners of their last five, struck back in its half of the fourth as the first three men to the plate reached base without a hit. After an APSU pitching change, third baseman Casey Dykes brought home two runs with his single, tying the game. One batter later, catcher Ryan Huck gave WKU the lead for good with a sacrifice fly.

The Hilltoppers added two insurance runs in the fifth before the game settled down again. Western Kentucky had just three base runners over the final three innings. Austin Peay only placed four men on base over its final five innings.

Austin Peay starter Alex Belew (1-3) suffered the loss after allowing three runs on one hit and five walks over three-plus innings. Bachman led the Govs offense - which finished with just six hits - with a 2-for-4, 2 RBI outing.

Taylor Haydel (2-1) picked up the win after tossing three scoreless innings in his season's sixth start. Phil Wetherell notched his season's first save with a scoreless ninth inning. Dykes led WKU's offense with a 2-for-3, three RBI effort.

Austin Peay opens Ohio Valley Conference play when it travels to Murray State for a three-game series, Saturday-Sunday. The series begins with a 1 p.m., Saturday doubleheader at Reagan Field.

-AP-