CLARKSVILLE – One big inning doomed Austin Peay State University's baseball team in a 12-7 loss to Middle Tennessee, Wednesday night, at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Austin Peay (16-25) led 4-2 after three innings, but was fortunate to hold that advantage as several miscues could have resulted in a much different score. The Govs committed two infield errors in the second inning, but were able to hold the Blue Raiders to two runs. On the other hand, the Govs saw a base runner cut down for the third out in both the first and second innings, settling for two runs each time.

Middle Tennessee (20-21) did not falter when the Govs offered another golden scoring opportunity in the fourth. The Blue Raiders sent 10 men to the plate – six of those reaching with two outs – in a seven-run fourth inning. Austin Peay used three pitchers in the frame and surrendered four hits, two walks and hit a batter. Catcher Michael Adkins delivered the decisive blow with his season's first home run – a three-run blast that put Middle Tennessee ahead for good, 9-4.

Austin Peay would score two runs in the sixth, closing to within 9-6, but Middle Tennessee responded with runs in each of the final three innings to secure the win.

Govs reliever Jake Corum (1-1) suffered the loss after allowing three of the four batters he faced to reach base safely and all three would ultimately score. Starter Caleb Powell allowed four runs on five hits in 3.1 innings but did not factor into the decision.

Middle Tennessee reliever Cody Tollison picked up the win after tossing 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing two hits to the seven batters he faced.

Center fielder Ryan Stephens was 3-for-5 with two RBI and second baseman Austin Bryant was 3-for-3 with three RBI to pace the Blue Raiders 13-hit attack.

Catcher Ridge Smith led Austin Peay's 13-hit night with a 4-for-5, one RBI outing.

Austin Peay continues its five-game homestand when it hosts Eastern Kentucky in a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series, beginning with a 6 p.m., Friday contest.