EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Austin Peay State University's baseball team again scored its runs in a bunch but its pitching staff could not hold on, dropping a 9-8 decision to SIU Edwardsville, Sunday at Simmons Baseball Complex.

Austin Peay (28-18, 14-6 OVC) broke a 7-7 tie in the seventh, loading the bases with two outs thanks to a pair of walks and a single. Center fielder Michael Blanchard then bunted the ball down the third base line as part of a safety squeeze and catcher Matt Wollenzin sprinted home to score the go-ahead run. However, the Govs were unable to add to their lead as designated hitter Jon Clinard's foul popup was caught by SIUE first baseman Joel Greatting as he ran into the fence.

SIU Edwardsville (24-24, 10-11 OVC) was unable to solve Austin Peay closer Tyler Rogers early as he retired the first four batters he faced, ending the seventh with a groundout before inducing three more in the eighth.

However, they got to the Govs closer in the ninth with all five batters in the frame reaching safely. Designated hitter Matt Highland drove home the tying run with is infield chopper that went no more than 10 feet. Rogers fielded the ball but could not make the scoop throw to Wollenzin at home. Shortstop Chase Green followed with a single up the middle, driving home the winning run.

Austin Peay jumped out quickly, scoring seven runs in the first three innings. The Govs converted all four walks they received in the first inning; including two that scored on left fielder Cody Hudson's single. After adding a run in the second, Austin Peay struck for two runs in the third, one on catcher Matt Wollenzin's double and another on center fielder Michael Blanchard's single, giving APSU a 7-1 lead.

SIU Edwardsville (24-24, 10-11 OVC) climbed back into the game courtesy the long ball. First baseman Joel Greatting belted a two-run home run in the third, cutting the Govs lead to 7-3. Two innings later, third baseman Zach Hawkins cut the deficit to one run with his three-run home run. The Cougars tied the game, 7-7, in the sixth on left fielder Travis Becherer's RBI single.

Rogers (3-2) suffered the loss after allowing two runs on four hits in the final 1.1-plus innings. Govs starter Casey Delgado allowed seven runs in the first 5.2 innings, including the two home runs.

SIUE closer Dustin Quattrocchi (5-1) picked up the win, holding Austin Peay without a run over the final 2.1 innings.

Blanchard led the Govs offense with a 3-for-5, two RBI outing that included two bunt singles. Shortstop Reed Harper and Hudson each added two hits.

Green was 3-for-5 with two RBI, including the game-winner and was responsible for the Cougars first run on a double in the second. Four other SIUE batters had two hits each.

Austin Peay will return to action when it hosts Lipscomb in a 6 p.m., Tuesday contest at Raymond C. Hand Park.

-AP-