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.
![Austin Peay State University Baseball uses seven run 7th inning to defeat Evansville, Sunday. (Robert Smith, APSU Sports Information) Austin Peay State University Baseball uses seven run 7th inning to defeat Evansville, Sunday. (Robert Smith, APSU Sports Information)](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-APSU-Baseball-9-480x270.jpg)
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.