CARBONDALE, Ill. – One inning proved the difference as Austin Peay State University's baseball team lost a 3-0 tilt against Southern Illinois, Wednesday, at Itchy Jones Stadium.

Southern Illinois (20-17) struck for three runs in the third inning for the game's only scoring. With two outs, the Salukis waited out reliever Mark Hendrick, earning a pair of walks and loading the bases. Hendrick seemed to escape the inning when shortstop Jake Welch hit a fly ball toward the left center gap. Center fielder Chase Hamilton raced over and appeared to make a snow-cone catch, but could not hold on and three runs scored.

Austin Peay (14-23) could not solve Southern Illinois starter Austin McPheron (2-1), who tossed six scoreless innings and held the Govs to three hits for the win. The Salukis bullpen allowed two hits over the final three innings, closer Tyler Dray pitching a hitless ninth for his sixth save.

Only right fielder Rolando Gautier had success against the Southern Illinois pitchers, posting the Govs first three hits and finishing the day 3-for-4. Designated hitter Alex Robles and Hamilton had Austin Peay's other two hits. Third baseman Ridge Smith failed to reach base safely for the first time in 28 games, dating back to Feb. 25.

Southern Illinois was led by Welch's 2-for-4 outing and catcher Matt Jones' 2-for-3 performance.

Hendrick (0-2) suffered the loss after allowing three unearned runs in 0.2 innings, walking two and allowing one hit.

Austin Peay continues its four-games-in-four days road trip when it starts a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series, Thursday, at Belmont. The Govs and Bruins are scheduled to begin their series with a 5 p.m., Thursday contest.