CLARKSVILLE - Three Austin Peay State University pitchers - led by starter Casey Delgado - combined for the team's first nine-inning shutout since 2010 in a 4-0 Ohio Valley Conference victory against UT Martin, Saturday, at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Delgado (4-2) started in place of senior Zach Toney, who missed this week's series due to an injury. He made the most of his opportunity throwing seven scoreless innings. Delgado allowed just five hits and walked one while striking out a career-high seven batters for the win.

Reliever Zane Leffew threw a scoreless eighth and closer Tyler Rogers struck out two in the ninth to nail down the win. It was Austin Peay's first nine-inning shutout since blanking Centenary during the 2010 season.

Austin Peay (17-10, 5-0 OVC) saw its offense struggle again in the early innings. UTM starter Willie Frederick allowed no hits through four innings, retiring the first 10 batters he faced in order.

The Govs broke through in the fifth as shortstop Reed Harper led off the inning with a triple. The Govs wasted little time cashing in on the opportunity, catcher Matt Wollenzin singling to right field to drive in the run for a 1-0 lead.

Second baseman Jordan Hankins pushed the lead to 2-0 with a two-out solo home run in the sixth. The Govs doubled the lead in the seventh after loading the bases with one out. Right fielder Jon Clinard drove home a run with a fielder's choice and the Skyhawks helped Austin Peay's cause with a passed ball for the game's fourth run.

Austin Peay finished the game with seven hits, Harper finishing 2-for-4 and first baseman Tyler Childress posting a 2-for-3 outing.

UT Martin (8-18, 2-3 OVC) also posted seven hits in the loss. Center fielder Jordan Owen finishing the day 2-for-4 to lead the offensive effort.

Frederick (1-4) suffered the loss after allowing three runs on five hits over six-plus innings.

Austin Peay and UT Martin will conclude their three-game series with a 1 p.m., Sunday contest at Raymond C. Hand Park.

-AP-