CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) Austin Peay State University’s baseball team fell behind early and could not recover, dropping a 9-0 nonconference decision to Middle Tennessee, Tuesday night at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Middle Tennessee (9-8) jumped out a quick lead when it sent 11 batters to the plate in the first inning, scoring six runs. Left fielder Blake Benefield had a two-run double and catcher Jake Hagenow added a two-run single to help build the 6-0 lead.

Austin Peay (10-7) saw its bullpen enter the game in the first inning and rally to keep the Blue Raiders largely in check through the final eight innings. Greg Leban entered with two outs in the first inning and provided 3.2 innings of scoreless relief, before allowing a home run in the fifth. Kyle Wilson, Ross Walker and Ethan Clark followed Leban to finish the contest, allowing just one run between them.

The Governors offense could not solve the Middle Tennessee pitching staff, particularly starter Grant Williams (2-1) who tossed six scoreless innings while scattering three hits and five walks while striking out six batters. Three other Blue Raiders pitchers each tossed a scoreless inning to complete the shutout.

Catcher David Martinez had a third-inning double in his 1-for-3 outing. Second baseman Malcolm Tipler, third baseman Max Remy and pinch hitter Brett Newberg each had a hit in the Govs four-hit outing. First baseman Brett Stratinsky paced the Blue Raiders with a 2-for-4, three RBI outing that included a two-run home run in the fifth inning.

Austin Peay continues its four-game homestand when it hosts Murray State in a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series, beginning with a 6 p.m., Friday contest that marks the spring resumption of the Heritage Bank Battle of the Border between the two athletics departments.

Single-game, flex, season and boxLife Suite tickets for Austin Peay baseball are available by calling the Governors Athletics Ticket office at 931-221-PEAY [7329] or online at LetsGoPeay.com/SportTix

Fans interested in more information or renting an Austin Peay-themed boxLIFE suite for the season, a weekend or a game should complete the online form available at LetsGoPeay.com or contact Mike Minyard, Associate Athletics Director at minyardm@apsu.edu. Suites may be rented each weekend series ($1,000 per weekend) or on a single-game basis.