COOKEVILLE – Left fielder Ridge Smith's two-run home run in the eighth inning propelled Austin Peay State University's baseball team to a 9-6 Ohio Valley Conference victory against Tennessee Tech, Saturday, at Bush Stadium.

Austin Peay (12-19, 5-6 OVC) was locked in a 6-6 tie entering the eighth inning and had been held scoreless for three straight innings. Right fielder Rolando Gautier began the inning with a single and, after a failed sacrifice attempt, stole second base. Smith stepped to the plate and belted a 2-2 pitch to left field, giving APSU an 8-6 lead.

One inning later, catcher P.J. Torres tacked on another run with a home run to left field. The added insurance was enough for reliever Ryan Quick (2-2) who threw 2.1 scoreless innings to close the game and pick up the victory.

Tennessee Tech (24-8, 8-6 OVC) led through the game's first three innings. The Golden Eagles struck for four runs in the second inning, center fielder Jake Rowland and second baseman Zach Zarzour each posting two-run singles. Third baseman Daniel Miles would add a solo home run in the third to give the Golden Eagles a 5-3 lead.

Austin Peay struck for three runs in both the third and fourth innings. Smith drove in the Govs second run on a single and had a hand in the third run when he was called safe on obstruction while attempting to steal second base in a delayed double steal play. Center fielder Cayce Bredlau scored on the play to trim the deficit to one run.

The Govs would take their first lead in the fourth as they scored three runs with two outs. Shortstop Logan Gray started the two-out rally with a RBI single. Second baseman Garrett Copeland followed with another single and Gautier was walked to load the bases. A wild pitch allowed Gray to score, tying the game, and designated hitter Dre Gleason pushed home a run when he was walked, giving APSU a 6-5 lead.

Tennessee Tech would tie the game with a sacrifice fly in the fifth, but that would be the last run it would score. APSU relievers Jake Corum, Alex Belew and Quick combined to hold the Golden Eagles scoreless for over the final four innings.

Smith led the Govs with a 2-for-4, three RBI performance. Gray posted a career-best three hits in a 3-for-5, one RBI effort. Torres finished 2-for-4 with his solo home run.

Tennessee Tech reliever Ross Spurgeon (2-1) suffered the loss after allowing Smith's two-run home run, one of five hits he allowed in 1.2 innings.  Zarzour led the Golden Eagles offense with a 1-for-3, three RBI outing.

Austin Peay, which clinched the OVC series with the win, and Tennessee Tech will complete their three-game set with a 1 p.m., Sunday contest.