NASHVILLE - Junior outfielder Cody Hudson had five hits and five RBI and sophomore second baseman Jordan Hankins added a grand slam as Austin Peay State University downed Lipscomb, 12-7, Tuesday night at Ken Dugan Field.

Austin Peay (11-9) broke the game open in the second inning, scoring six runs with two outs. The Governors effort was aided by a pair of Lipscomb errors in the frame. Hudson posted the Govs first two runs on a single into the left center gap. After the second Bisons error in the frame, Hankins hammered a 1-0 pitch over the wall in right for a grand slam that put APSU ahead 6-0.

The Govs pushed their lead to 8-0 in the third on Hudson's two-run home run. Lipscomb (7-14) fought back in its half of the third, scoring three runs, including two on center fielder Zach Lowery's triple to right.

Austin Peay tacked on two runs in both the sixth and ninth innings, pushing its advantage to 12-3. Right fielder Rolando Gautier's double accounted for both sixth-inning runs. Hudson added an RBI triple in the ninth to round out his outing before senior third baseman Greg Bachman wrapped up the Govs scoring with a sacrifice fly.

Lipscomb made one last valiant effort to climb back into the contest, scoring four runs in the ninth. Left fielder M.L. Williams began the rally with a solo home run and Lowery added a two-run double. Austin Peay closer Tyler Rogers came on and surrendered an RBI fielder's choice before inducing a ground out to end the game.

Hudson finished the day 5-for-6 with five RBI, a double and a triple. Senior designated hitter Jon Clinard and junior shortstop Reed Harper each had two hits. Hankins finished the night 1-for-5 with four RBI.

Austin Peay starting pitcher Casey Delgado (3-2) was the beneficiary of the Govs offensive outburst. Still the junior hurler put forth his own quality effort, surrendering three runs over six innings while scattering 10 hits and striking out six.

Lowery led Lipscomb's 15-hit attack with a 3-for-5, four RBI night. Bisons starter Will Blalock (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing six unearned runs over two innings.

Austin Peay returns to action when it hosts Western Kentucky in a 6 p.m., Wednesday contest at Raymond C. Hand Park.

-AP-