CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University's softball team exploded for a seven-run inning to break a 2-2 tie in the second game of its doubleheader versus Jacksonville State, Saturday afternoon at Cathi Maynard Park-Cheryl Holt Field, to power its way to a 9-3 victory and earn a berth into next week's ASUN Conference Championship Tournament, after dropping the first game, 9-0.
Game 1
Jacksonville State 9, Austin Peay 0
The Governors (26-22, 12-12 ASUN) saw the Gamecocks (30-20, 15-9 ASUN) jump in front with a run in the top of the first inning and extend that lead to 5-0 with twos run innings in the third and fourth innings, before pulling away with a four-run sixth to make it 9-0.
Austin Peay was limited to just five hits in the opener, led by Lexi Osowski-Anderson, who recorded two hits, while Megan Hodum, Kylie Campbell and Macee Roberts had the other three hits in the contest.
Game 2
Austin Peay 9, Jacksonville State 3
With their possible post-season tournament berth on the line and tied 2-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, the Govs bats exploded as they scored seven runs on six hits to go up 9-2, needing six outs to lockdown a spot in the postseason tournament.
Roberts would get the inning going with her third homer of the season, to put the Govs ahead, 3-2, followed by back-to-back singles by Gabi Apiag and Kendyl Weinzapfel.
After the Gamecocks recorded the second out of the inning, their third baseman committed a throwing error on a ground ball by Emily Harkleroad allowing Apiag to score, making it 4-2.
The flood gates would open after that, with Hodum and pinch hitter Morgan McMahon following the miscue with back-to-back RBI singles.
Osowski-Anderson would then walk to load the bases, with Campbell being hit by a pitch to force in Hodum.
Roberts, who opened the inning with a home run, then knocked in two more runs with a double to straight away center field to drive in the final two runs.
That would more than enough runs for Govs starter Samantha Miener (5-8), as the sophomore limited the Gamecocks to three runs on four hits in the contest, while walking two and striking out one.
Inside the Boxscore
- The Govs have now reached their respective conference's championship tournament for the fifth straight year.
- Macee Roberts set her career single game high with three hits in Game 2, while tying her career single-game high for RBIs, with three.
- Morgan McMahon's pinch-hit single was the Govs 10th pinch hit of the season, the most by an APSU squad in over 24 years.
- With her walk in Game 2, Lexi Osowski-Anderson moved into a tie with Carol Gray (1987-90) for third place all-time for career base on balls, with 69.
- The Game 2 win was Samantha Miener's 10th career victory.
- Macee Roberts extended her current hit streak to seven straight games.
- Emily Harkleroad moved past Bailey Shorter (2018-22) for third place all-time in career games played, with 209.
Up Next
Austin Peay will head down to DeLand, Florida, to open the ASUN Championship Tournament, 3 p.m., Tuesday, at Patricia Wilson Field, as they face the tournament host Stetson. The Govs enter the tournament as the #7-seed, while the Hatters are the #6-seed in the tournament.
Govs Online
For up-to-date news and information on Austin Peay softball, go to LetsGoPeay.com or follow along on Twitter and Instagram (@GovsSB), or on Facebook. Live stats will be available during all home games at PeayStats.com. In addition, all Austin Peay home games will be broadcast on ESPN+ this season, visit the softball schedule at LetsGoPeay.com for a complete broadcast schedule.
