CLARKSVILLE – A subpar outing doomed Austin Peay State University's baseball team in a 12-8 Ohio Valley Conference loss to Belmont, Saturday, at Raymond C. Hand Park.
Austin Peay (18-13, 10-7 OVC) got off to a quick start offensively, scoring the game's first three runs in the second inning. The Govs used a wild pitch to score their first run then a delayed double steak to add a second run. Shortstop Imani Willis drove in the third run with a single, but was left stranded at third base.
Belmont (18-14, 9-4 OVC) struck for four runs in the top of the third inning, an Austin Peay error sparked the burst, allowing a runner to advance from first to third with one out. The Bruins then saw the next five batters reach base safely, including two run scoring hits and a bases loaded walk, as they built a 4-3 lead.
The Govs were able to tie the game again in the bottom of the fourth when third baseman Logan Gray led off the frame with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Designated hitter Alex Robles drove him in with an infield single, tying the game 4-4.
However, the Govs contributed to their own demise over the next six innings. Austin Peay defense and pitching assisted on each of Belmont's final eight runs either through a walk, hit batsman, error or wild pitch. Belmont took advantage of the help with two runs in the fourth, four runs in the sixth and a run in both the seventh and ninth innings.
Austin Peay attempted to mount another late-inning comeback. Gray hit a leadoff home run in the seventh inning – his fifth home run in his last six games – trimming the APSU deficit to 10-5. The Govs struck for three runs in the eighth, including second baseman Garrett Copeland's two-run double, to close within 11-8 but would get no closer.
Govs reliever Zac Walton (0-1) was tagged for the loss after allowing one run in two-thirds of an inning pitched. Starter Zach Hall surrendered four runs on five hits in 2.1 innings but could not escape a couple of defensive miscues in the second that resulted in base hits.
Gray led the Govs offense with a 3-for-5, one RBI outing that saw him score three times. Robles added a 2-for-4 outing. Austin Peay outhit Belmont 12-10.
Belmont starter Aaron Quillen (4-2) picked up the win after allowing four runs on seven hits and four walks in five innings.
Second baseman Tyler Fullerton paced Belmont's offense with a 1-for-5, three RBI effort – with RBI coming on a bases loaded walk in the third and a two-run single in the sixth. The Bruins offense took advantage of eight walks and five hit batsmen in the contest – catcher Alex Diamond finishing the day 1-for-3 with two walks and was hit by a pitch in his final plate appearance.
After splitting the first two games of the series, Austin Peay and Belmont close out their three-game OVC series with a 1 p.m., Sunday contest at Raymond C. Hand Park.
