CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- Austin Peay State University's baseball team scored four runs on five consecutive singles in the bottom of the fourth inning and its bullpen held on for a 4-2 ASUN Conference victory against North Florida, Saturday on Joe Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park. With the win, Austin Peay won the ASUN Conference series - its first in program history.

In 280 words or less

Austin Peay's (8-12, 2-1 ASUN) bottom of the order - third baseman Ambren Voitik, first baseman Michael Robinson, second baseman Matt Aribal, catcher Travis Conley, and right fielder Nathan Barksdale - put together what proved to be the game-winning rally in the fourth inning.

Aribal drove in the Governors' first run, with Conley providing the game-tying single. Barksdale hit the game-winning RBI with a single, which also forced UNF's starting pitcher from the game. Two batters later, a pitch hit center fielder Garrett Martin with two out, supplying APSU's fourth run.

North Florida (11-10, 1-2 ASUN) did not go quietly, putting the tying run on base in each of the final four innings, including a pair of bases-loaded opportunities. The Ospreys loaded the bases in the sixth with two out only to see reliever Devin Crawford strike out a batter to end the threat.

UNF's best opportunity to score came in the eighth when its first two batters got on base safely. After a sacrifice bunt, pinch hitter Jakob Runnells hit a ground ball to Voitik, who threw home with Conley applying the tag to get the second out. A second fielder's choice ended the threat. 

Austin Peay starter Jacob Kush (2-1) held the Ospreys to two runs on two hits and four walks over 5.2 innings for the win. Reliever Tyler Hampu picked up his first save with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Aribal and Conley each had two hits to lead Austin Peay's nine-hit offensive attack.

UNF starting pitcher Clayton Boroski (1-4) took the loss after allowing four runs on seven hits in his 3.1 innings. The Ospreys' offense was held to five hits but earned nine walks.

Up Next

The Governors start a four-game road trip with a 5 p.m., Tuesday nonconference tilt against former conference foe Murray State at Johnny Reagan Field.

Number of Note

First – Sunday's win also secured Austin Peay first ASUN Conference series victory. It is the Govs first conference series victory since defeating Murray State in a three-game set to begin May last season at The Hand.

Governor of the Game

Starting pitcher Jacob Kush found his way through a messy second inning to pick up his second win of 2023. He closed the second with a flyout, limiting the damage to two runs. That flyout started a run of 10 consecutive batters retired by Kush, allowing the Govs to forge their comeback. He would allow a leadoff double in the sixth but retired the final two batters he faced before leaving the game.

Other Notables

Nathan Barksdale ended the weekend with a hit in all three games of the series and led the Govs with a 5-for-8, four RBI weekend. He also had the game-winning hit in both the second and third games.

Austin Peay won Sunday without the benefit of an extra-base hit. It is the first time this season the Govs finished a game without an extra-base hit.

In his first action since March 11, Aribal started at second base and went 2-for-4 with a RBI, stolen base, and run scored.

Conley's 2-for-4 effort also included an RBI and run scored. He has a hit in seven of his last eight games played. He has reached safely in eight-straight games.

Martin extended his reached safely streak to nine games with his fourth-inning hit by pitch.

Hampu tossed his fourth consecutive scoreless inning of relief.