MURFREESBORO - Austin Peay State University's baseball team scored early and late, but it wasn't enough as it dropped a 10-7 non-conference decision to Middle Tennessee, Wednesday night at Reese Smith Jr. Field.

Austin Peay (22-14) struck for five runs in the first inning but did not score again until it put two runs up in the eighth frame. The Govs scored all five of its first-inning tallies with two outs as eight consecutive batters reached base safely. Designated hitter Cody Hudson and right fielder Rolando Gautier each had two-run hits in the frame.

Middle Tennessee (22-16) battled back from the early deficit, scoring six runs total in the third, fourth and fifth innings. A four-run fifth inning put the Blue Raiders ahead for good, shortstop Ryan Ford bringing home the go-ahead run with a squeeze bunt.

The Govs bats went silent beginning in the second inning as relievers Kooper Kessler and Nathan Foriest combined to throw 5.1 scoreless innings while facing just five batters over the minimum.

Austin Peay broke through for two final runs in the eighth when the first three batters reached safely, including first baseman Tyler Childress who scored a run with his single. After center fielder Michael Blanchard reached on a one-out bunt single, left fielder Jon Clinard scored the second run on a sacrifice fly.

Govs starter Andy Cox surrendered two runs - one on center fielder Ryan Stephens' second-inning home run - over three innings. Reliever Brock Boyher, the first of four Govs relievers, suffered the loss after allowing four runs on three hits and three walks over one-plus innings.

Four Govs had two hits each, including Hudson who was 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Foriest (1-1) picked up the win with two innings of scoreless relief. Right fielder Trent Miller went 4-for-5 with two RBI to lead the Middle Tennessee offense.

Austin Peay continues its six-game road trip with a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series against Eastern Kentucky that begins with a 2 p.m. (CT), Friday contest in Richmond, Ky.

-AP-