NASHVILLE - Austin Peay State University's baseball team feel victim to a Belmont walk-off base hit in a 4-3 non-conference loss, Tuesday, at Rose Park.

Austin Peay (32-20) turned to closer Tyler Rogers with the game tied 3-3 in the bottom of the ninth. Belmont leadoff hitter Matthew Kinney worked a leadoff walk from Rogers to start the inning. The Bruins moved the Kinney into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt, forcing the Govs to intentionally walk center fielder Dylan Craig. Right fielder Dylan Turner made his lone hit of the night count, singling through the left side and Kinney scored from second to end the game.

Belmont (32-21) scored the game's first runs in the fourth inning, using designated hitter Judah Akers ground out and catcher Alec Diamond's double to score consecutive runs. The Bruins would leave Diamond stranded at third as APSU reliever Mike Hebert induced an inning-ending fielder's choice.

Austin Peay answered immediately, courtesy second baseman Jon Clinard's two-run double that scored first baseman Tyler Childress and catcher Matt Wollenzin, who reached on a single and walk, respectively, to start the inning.

The Govs took their first lead, 3-2, two innings later. Right fielder Rolando Gautier led off the seventh with a walk and center fielder Michael Blanchard followed with a bunt single. Third baseman Jordan Hankins gave the Govs the lead with a ground out that scored Gautier, but the Govs could not bring home Blanchard, leaving him stranded at third.

Belmont was unable to immediately respond, but got the tying run back in the eighth. Third baseman Matt Beaty and Akers had back-to-back singles, Beaty getting to third base on Akers outfield hit. Diamond brought home the tying run on an infield ground out, setting up the ninth inning.

Rogers (3-3) suffered the loss after allowing one run on a hit and two walks in the ninth. Starter Kacy Kemmer tossed two scoreless innings in his first collegiate start.

Childress led the Govs offense with a 3-for-3 outing. Clinard led Austin Peay with two RBI as part of a 1-for-4 outing.

Belmont's Scott Moses (2-2) picked up the win after tossing a scoreless ninth. Bruins starter Dan Ludwig tossed four scoreless innings. Diamond finished the night 2-for-3 with two RBI.

Austin Peay now turns its attention to this weekend's key Ohio Valley Conference matchup with Tennessee Tech, beginning with a 6 p.m., Thursday contest at Averitt Express Baseball Complex.

-AP-