CLARKSVILLE – Starting pitcher Michael Costanzo struck out nine batters and first baseman Parker Phillips hit a pair of home runs but Austin Peay State University's baseball team dropped an 8-6 Ohio Valley Conference decision to UT Martin, Friday night at Raymond C. Hand Park.
Costanzo battled through a rough first inning that saw him strike out the side but not before surrendering four runs, three coming on a home run. However, he would respond with three scoreless innings before allowing another run in the fifth.
Still, the senior lefty struck out five batters in the first two innings and became the seventh Austin Peay pitcher to reach the 200-career strikeout mark. He would finish with nine strikeouts for the third time this season while making it through six innings.
Austin Peay (23-19, 13-9 OVC) would help Costanzo out in the bottom of the first, scoring four runs to tie the game. Phillips hit his first home run of the game in the frame, a two-run shot that halved the deficit. After right fielder Nick Walker and left fielder Kyle Wilson hit back-to-back singles, designated hitter Aaron Campbell tacked on a two-out, two-run single to tie the game.
Phillips second home run would tie the game again in the fifth inning. Walker then was hit by a pitch, steal a base and advance to third on a wild throw. Wilson followed with a RBI single to give the Govs a 6-5 lead.
However, UT Martin (9-30, 5-14 OVC) would grab the lead in the seventh inning. Center fielder Jordan Stoner and left fielder Carson Shrode opened with back-to-back base hits. Second baseman Tyler Albright would drive in a run with a ground out and the go-ahead run scored on a wild pitch. The Skyhawks extended their lead to 8-6 on first baseman Ethan Whitley's single.
The Governors could not solve UTM reliever Peyton Cain who scattered four hits over the final three innings to pick up his season's second save. Starter Dom Bazzani (3-3) picked up the win thanks to the late burst after allowing six runs on eight hits while striking out seven over his six innings.
Austin Peay reliever Brett Newberg (3-2) suffered the loss after allowing three runs in his three innings of work.
Phillips went 3-for-5 with three RBI, with his 12th and 13th home runs of the season. Walker went 3-for-4 and scored twice.
Right fielder Collin Edwards hit a three-run home run in the first inning for a 1-for-3 outing. Four Skyhawks hitters had two hits each.
Austin Peay and UT Martin continue their three-game league set with a 4 p.m., Saturday contest. The Governors will recognize alumnus Stephen Huff during the day as part of its Lung Cancer Awareness Day.
