APSU Sports Information
Clarksville, TN – Right fielder Parker Phillips had three hits, pacing the Austin Peay State University (APSU) baseball team to a 10-3 nonconference victory against Middle Tennessee, Tuesday night on Joe Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park.
Austin Peay State University (12-10) opened with three-run salvos in both the first and second innings.
The Govs first-inning scoring occurred without a base hit with three Middle Tennessee errors helping the cause.
The second inning got off to a hot start with four consecutive base hits, Phillips providing a run-scoring double followed by center fielder Garrett Spain’s RBI single. Malcolm Tipler’s ground out supplied the final run as the Govs broke out to a 6-3 lead.
The early run support helped Austin Peay starter Tyler Thompson make it through four innings after a rough start. The Blue Raiders got back-to-back base hits to start the game, catcher Aaron Antonini driving in a run with a double. But Thompson worked out of the trouble without allowing another run.
Middle Tennessee (8-16) responded the Govs three-run first by rallying for two runs in its half of the second. MTSU opened the frame with four consecutive hits, Antonini driving in a run with a bases-loaded walk and designated hitter Drew Huff tied the game with a sacrifice fly.
The Governors battled back with their second three-run frame to take a 6-3 lead. Austin Peay tacked on another three runs in the sixth thanks to first baseman John McDonald’s three-run double to salt the game away.
Thompson went four innings, limiting Middle Tennessee to three runs but did not qualify for the win. Reliever Greg Leban (2-0) picked up the win after striking out four of the nine batters he faced in two scoreless frames.
Phillips’ 3-for-4 outing was the Govs lone multihit performance in a nine-hit night. Spain had two RBI in a 1-for-4 outing while McDonald had three RBI in his own 1-for-4 game.
Blue Raiders starter David Zoz (1-1) allowed six runs over one-plus inning of work. Antonini went 2-for-4 with two RBI to lead MTSU while JT Mabry went 3-for-5.
Next Up For APSU Baseball
APSU Baseball continues its five-game homestand and kicks off OVC play Wednesday when it hosts Murray State at 6:00pm.
