CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) – Left fielder Kyle Wilson’s two-run single helped Austin Peay State University’s baseball team take the lead for good as it rallied from an early deficit to defeat Murray State, 8-7, in Ohio Valley Conference action at Raymond C. Hand Park. With the win, the Governors clinched the three-game OVC series with the 1 p.m., Sunday finale remaining.
Austin Peay (12-7, 4-1 OVC) trailed 4-2 entering its half of the third inning. The Governors used a leadoff walk and three consecutive hits to take the lead. Third baseman Malcolm Tipler doubled off the wall to drive in the inning’s first run. Wilson followed and laced a single over the third baseman’s head, allowing two runs to score for a 5-4 lead.
The Governors extended their lead in the fifth when the first three batters reached base to load the bases. Right fielder Aaron Campbell’s infield single added a run before Tipler scored while the Racers turned a double play, giving the Govs a 7-4 lead.
After the team’s traded runs in the sixth, Murray State (10-9, 2-3 OVC) narrowed the deficit courtesy center fielder Gavin Wehby’s two-run home run. However, Govs reliever Harley Gollert would retire the final five batters to end the contest.
Govs starter Jacques Pucheu (3-0) won his second straight start after allowing five runs (two earned) in his 5.1 innings, striking out seven. Gollert picked up his season’s second save with six strikeouts over the final 3.2 innings with only two runs allowed on one hit.
Wilson went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a walk, providing the Govs their only multi-RBI outing. Designated hitter Bobby Head added a 2-for-4 outing that included a run-scoring double in the second. Second baseman Garrett Giovannelli added a 2-for-5 outing, scoring twice.
Murray State starter Blake Clynes (1-1) suffered his season’s first loss after surrendering five runs on four hits and four walks in 2.1 innings. Wehby and third baseman David Sims each had a two-run home run, Wehby going 3-for-4 at the plate.