TEAM NOTES

Austin Peay (1-0) trailed by six runs after two innings, but mounted a strong comeback once the 6^th inning started. The Govs scored five runs in the 6^th, six in the 7^th, and two in the 8^th to pull away for a 15-7 victory on Opening Day.

It's the first time since April 4, 2014 in which the Govs have scored 15+ runs.

As a team, Austin Peay batted .375 with seven extra base hits and 23 total bases.

With runners in scoring position, APSU was .318  along with a .467 clip when two outs were on the board.

All three unearned runs were charged to starting pitcher Zach Hall, who now has a 16.20 earned run average to begin 2015. Hall allowed opposing batters to hit .625 against him in his 1.2 innings pitched.

THE LINEUP

Patrick Massoni… The younger brother of former Gov Craig Massoni went 1-for-4 in his APSU debut, with his first hit being a two-RBI double in the 7^th inning.

Cayce Bredlau… The sophomore was the only APSU player in the starting lineup to go hit-less (0-for-3), but did score twice.

Logan Gray … The third baseman recorded two doubles against the Purple Eagles, driving in two runs while scoring once.

Alex Robles… Serving as the designated hitter, Robles went 2-for-6 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Ridge Smith… Smith fell a home run short of the cycle, going 3-for-4 which included a triple in the 6^th inning that tied the game. He also had a team-high three RBIs.

Dre Gleason… After going 0-for-3 in his first three at-bats, Gleason found his groove with a RBI double in the 7^th frame.

Garrett Copeland… Copeland finished with a pair of singles, improving his consecutive on-base streak of 20 games dating back to last season.

Kyle Blackburn… Blackburn reached base in his final three at-bats, two of which being singles which allowed him to score twice.

Clayton Smithson… The new-look at shortstop went 2-for-5 in his debut, driving in a pair of runs while scoring a team-high three runs.

Elsewhere... Imani Willis went down on strikes in his first collegiate appearance, filling in at center field…Wesley Purcell entered the game in left field, and brought in a run with a RBI ground out in the 8^th inning…Chase Hamilton was inserted in right field, and earned a walk in his only plate appearance, coming around to score later on.

ON THE MOUND

Austin Peay pitchers allowed seven runs on 11 hits in the contest. However, just three of the runs were earned with a pair of errors committed by the Govs.

Starting pitcher Zach Hall lasted just 1.2 inning in his first start since having Tommy John surgery, allowing three runs on five hits. He also walked two batters while striking out two.

He was replaced by Kacy Kemmer, another APSU player coming off surgery. The right-hander pitched 2.1 inning, scattering five hits, but none of his three runs allowed were earned. He also sat down four batters on strikes.

Freshman John Sparks was named 'Player of the Game', picking up his first collegiate victory in relief work. Sparks pitched three strong innings, with batters having just one hit and one unearned run charged to him. The left-hander also struck out four men with three walks.

In the game's final two innings, Zach Walton pitched a clean inning with no hits and one strikeout, while Hunter Lindley entered for the 8^th, striking out two with one walk.