CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Junior Morgan Brewer recorded a career-high 10 strikeouts while limiting Tennessee State to five hits as Austin Peay's softball team closed out its four-game home stand with a 6-0 Ohio Valley Conference win, Thursday, at Cheryl Holt Field

The Lady Govs (10-16, 4-8 OVC) went 3-1 over the home stand -- with Brewer (5-7) picking up all three victories, but none more dominating than Thursday's shutout as TSU only got one runner to second base after the opening inning, 

But as good as Brewer was, Tennessee State (10-18, 3-6 OVC) starter Shea Morris (7-10) matched her though the first three innings, with neither team being able to put anything up on the scoreboard.

But that all changed in the bottom of the fourth inning as the Lady Govs got an offensive spark from the bottom part of their lineup. It started with senior Ashley Bolda, in the number seven spot in the lineup, doubling down the left field line after TSU got the first two Lady Govs out.

Austin Peay then caught a break on a ground ball off the bat of freshman Sarah Rasmussen as Tiger third baseman Jordan Rehl couldn't come up with the ball, putting runners at first and third.

Austin Peay made TSU pay for that second life with freshman Paige Neely ripping a double off the right center field fence to drive in Bolda and Rasmussen for a 2-0 lead.

That would bring up the Lady Govs leading hitter and RBI producer, sophomore Lauren deCastro, who brought in Neely with Austin Peay's third double of the inning to increase the lead to 3-0.

That would be more than enough for Brewer, as she recorded six of her 10 strikeouts over the final three innings of play.

Austin Peay doubled its lead by scoring three more times in the bottom of the sixth inning, getting four straight hitters on base, starting with Bolda's third hit of the game.

She was followed by senior Jessica Ryan, who drew the only walk allowed by Morris on the day. Neely followed with her second double of the day to drive in Bolda while deCastro singled in Ryan, with Neely also scoring on the play on an error by Tennessee State to make the score 6-0.

Neely and deCastro joined Bolda with three hits for the Lady Govs.

-AP-