THE LEAD
CLARKSVILLE – Senior outfielder Patrick Massoni went 6-for-6 with four RBI to lead Austin Peay State University's baseball team to a 17-7 nonconference victory against Big 12 Conference foe Oklahoma, Saturday, at Raymond C. Hand Park.

HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first, Austin Peay flexed its offensive power and scored the game's first 10 runs. Austin Peay recorded its 10 runs and 11 hits in four innings before Oklahoma scratched out a hit.

Oklahoma would challenge the Govs with a four-run fifth frame, but APSU answered back with the game's next four runs. The Sooners posted a final three-run burst in the seventh, but Austin Peay again had an answer with the game's final three runs.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
The Govs seven available seniors each made a notable contribution in Saturday's win:

• Center fielder Patrick Massoni: 6-for-6, three doubles, four RBI – third Govs hitter to record a 6-for-6 outing in program history
• Left Fielder Josh Wilson: 2-for-3, double, three walks, RBI
• Catcher Caleb Mitchell: 1-for-3, walk, RBI, two sac hits
• Shortstop Clayton Smithson: 1-for-3, RBI
• Designated Hitter Wesley Purcell: 2-for-5, double, two RBI
• Relief Pitcher Keirce Kimbel: 0.1 inning pitched to end seventh inning
• Closer Jared Carkuff: 1.0 inning pitched to end game

The win was Austin Peay's third victory against a current Big 12 member, joining victories against Kansas (2005) and Kansas State (1999).

THE FULL RECAP
After a scoreless first inning, Austin Peay (28-21) would not be denied the rest of the game, scoring in each of the next seven innings. The Governors would score the game's first 10 runs: two in the second, two in the third and a game-breaking six in the fourth.

The Governors sent 11 men to the plate in the third inning. Massoni began the inning with a double. Right fielder Chase Hamilton and left fielder Josh Wilson both hit one-out doubles to start the scoring. Austin Peay then tacked on three consecutive singles, adding two more runs. Massoni wrapped up the burst with a two-run single – his fourth hit of the game – and Austin Peay was up 10-0 after three frames.

After the 28-minute bottom of the third, Oklahoma (28-25-1) responded with a four-run fifth inning as APSU starter Michael Costanzo battled to regain his form. First baseman Austin O'Brien hit a leadoff home run with designated hitter Cody Thomas and catcher Renae Martinez adding RBI doubles. Center fielder Ben Hollas chipped in a two-out RBI single, but was caught stealing to end the inning.

Austin Peay did not wilt under the Oklahoma charge, adding two runs in both the fifth and sixth innings. Outfielder Ridge Smith hit a two-run home run in the sixth to extend APSU's lead to 14-4. Oklahoma would close the gap again with a three-run seventh inning, but Austin Peay scored the game's final three runs to set the final score.

Massoni's 6-for-6 outing was the third by a Governors hitter since 1996 and included three doubles while batting in four runs. The Govs started all five of their available senior hitters: Massoni, left fielder Josh Wilson, catcher Caleb Mitchell, shortstop Clayton Smithson and designated hitter Wesley Purcell. The quintet combined for 12 hits, five doubles and 10 RBI.

Costanzo (7-4) benefited from the offensive outburst, picking up his seventh home win in eight starts at RCHP. He tossed four hitless frames to start his day before finishing with four runs allowed on five hits over five innings.

Both senior pitchers saw action in the regular-season finale. Keirce Kimbel recorded the final out in the seventh. Jared Carkuff pitched the ninth and struck out one of the three batters he faced to secure the win.

Thomas' 2-for-4 outing led the Sooners' eight-hit attack. Hollas and shortstop Thomas Hughes each went 1-for-3 with two RBI.

Oklahoma starter Dylan Grove (2-1) did not make it past the third inning, allowing four runs on five hits and five walks through three frames. The Sooners used six relievers in the contest.

Austin Peay now looks ahead to its return to the Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Championship – its first visit since 2013. With Jacksonville State's victory against UT Martin, the Governors will be the No. 3 seed in the upcoming event and will play No. 6 seed Belmont in a 5 p.m., Wednesday contest at The Ballpark at Jackson.