CLARKSVILLE - Austin Peay's baseball team secured its fifth consecutive Ohio Valley Conference series win with a pair of one-run victories, 8-7 in 10 innings and 5-4, against Tennessee Tech, in a Saturday doubleheader at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Austin Peay (24-19, 12-4 OVC) only trailed for two innings in the series opener and led by a 7-3 margin entering the ninth inning. However, the Govs opened the door with a pair of infield errors in the ninth, including one by shortstop Reed Harper with two out that extended the inning.

Tennessee Tech (19-24, 8-9 OVC) made Austin Peay pay for the miscues scoring four runs in the inning. Catcher Ben Burgess delivered the game-tying runs with his two-run double after Harper's error. But closer Ryne Harper struck out the next batter he faced to end the threat with the game still tied, 7-7.

Reed Harper would have the opportunity for redemption in the 10th and did not let it pass by. Third baseman Greg Bachman led off the inning with a walk and the Govs moved him to second on a sacrifice bunt. Bachman was left at second as catcher Matt Wollenzin lined out to center field for the second out. Harper stepped to the plate and hit a laser into left center, driving home Bachman with the game-winning run.

Ryne Harper (4-1) picked up the victory after allowing two unearned runs on two hits over the final two innings. Starter Jeremy Dobbs left after five-plus innings and surrendering three runs on four hits and five walks while striking out seven.

Golden Eagles reliever Cullen Park (2-2) was tagged for the loss after allowing one run on a hit and two walks in 1.2 innings.

The Govs led the second game wire-to-wire, but never led by more than three runs. Wollenzin, the designated hitter in Game 2, put APSU ahead with a three-run home run in the first inning.

Tennessee Tech would close to within one run twice in the contest, including 5-4 in the six on designated hitter Evan Frazier's two-run home run, but could not tie the game.

Austin Peay Game 2 starter Jack Snodgrass (2-5) struck out eight over 5.2 innings to secure the win, allowing four runs on five hits. Harper notched his season's sixth save with a scoreless ninth that included a pair of strikeouts.

Tennessee Tech starter Matthew Shepherd (3-5) allowed five runs on six hits over 4.1 innings for the loss despite striking out seven.

Reed Harper extended his hitting streak to 21 games, finishing the day 4-for-8 with four RBI. Wollenzin had a hit in each game (2-for-5) and led the Govs with five RBI.

Outfielder Chad Oberacker led Tennessee Tech with a 3-for-7, two RBI effort. Austin Peay pitching limited the Golden Eagles to 12 hits (.185 batting average) in the doubleheader.

Austin Peay and Tennessee Tech will complete their three-game OVC series with a 1 p.m., Sunday contest.

-AP-