CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Austin Peay State University traveled to Hawkins Field Tuesday for a non-conference, in-state baseball matchup with No. 2-ranked Vanderbilt University.

The Governors pulled out a 7-6 victory in 10 innings the last time the two programs faced off in 2019.

This time around, Vandy’s pitching stymied APSU’s lineup, holding the Govs to just three total hits in a 7-0 shutout.

Commodore starting pitcher Thomas Schultz (4-2) threw six innings, giving up two hits while recording four punchouts to earn the win.

Relievers Donye Evans, Nelson Berkwich and Hunter Owen finished out the final three innings of work, combining for one hit allowed and five strikeouts.

In his third start of 2021, redshirt freshman Drew McIllwain (0-2) was hit with the loss after going just one inning, allowing three runs on three hits.

Vanderbilt utility man Jack Bulger entered the contest, coming off of back-to-back three hit games against SEC foe Tennessee.

Bulger got the start in left field and had a 1-for-3 effort at the dish with a double, walk and two runs scored.

Game summary

The Commodores jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Parker Noland came up with a one-out, two-run double that caromed off the left-field wall. Bulger then scored on a fielder’s choice to tack on another run for the Dores.

In the bottom of the third inning, Noland plated Bulger on a groundout to second base to make it 4-0.

Vanderbilt struck for three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, taking advantage of a wild pitch and throwing error from Austin Peay.

Key performers

Clarksville Academy product and true freshman Nolan O’Shoney tossed two scoreless innings in relief, scattering one hit and striking out two batters.

Governor redshirt senior Malcolm Tipler saw his seven-game hitting streak come to an end against the Commodores.

Gino Avros reached base twice for the Governors, going 1-for-3 with a walk.

Dominic Keegan finished 2-for-4 with with an RBI and run scored while Noland drove in a game-high three runs for Vanderbilt.

Up next

Austin Peay (12-22, 9-9 OVC) returns to Raymond C. Hand Park for a nine-game home stand, beginning Friday, April 23, at 5 p.m. with a three-game OVC series against SIUE.