Clarksville, TN – A seven-run seventh inning catapulted the Austin Peay State University (APSU) baseball team to a 18-11 victory against Evansville, Sunday, in the final day of the SAF Dirt Classic on Joe Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park.
In the top of the seventh, Evansville (0-7) jumped back into the lead thanks to a four-run outburst. First baseman Tanner Craig pushed the Purple Aces to a 10-9 lead with a three-run home run. Moments later, designated hitter Indiana Stanley added a solo home run and the visitors held an 11-9 advantage at the stretch.
Austin Peay State University (3-4) opened its half of the seventh with four consecutive base hits. Catcher Alex Hay drove in the first run with a double and pinch hitter Skyler Luna tied the game with an infield single.
Third baseman Gino Avros’ squeeze bunt pushed across a third run and gave the APSU Governors the lead for good. Center fielder Garrett Spain, left fielder Malcolm Tipler and shortstop Bobby Head each had run-scoring hits as APSU pushed its lead to 16-11 and never looked back.
Austin Peay State University setup man Tucker Weaver (2-0) ended Evansville’s rally in the seventh and retired the side in order in the eighth to pick up the win. Closer Austin Carder tossed a scoreless ninth to secure the win.
Hay led the APSU Govs offense with a 3-for-4, three RBI effort that included run-scoring singles in the second and fifth innings, the latter part of a five-run fifth that saw the Govs take a 9-7 lead. Head went 2-for-5 with three RBI with RBI fielder’s choice in the fifth. Second baseman Max Remy had three hits and two RBI, scoring three times.
Evansville reliever Michael Parks (0-1) was saddled with the loss after allowing six runs on five hits in 1.1 innings.
Craig went 2-for-3 with four RBI to lead the Purple Aces offense. Stanley went 3-for-5 with four RBI, with run-scoring singles in the first and second innings joining his solo home run.
Next Up For APSU Baseball
The Austin Peay State University baseball team closes out its season-opening eight-game homestand with a 3:00pm, Tuesday contest against Western Kentucky.
