CLEMSON, S.C. – (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) A toe-to-toe battle saw Austin Peay State University’s baseball team match Clemson and force extra innings before falling in walk-off fashion, 3-2, in Sunday action at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
Another pitcher’s duel unfolded between Governors starter Brandon Vial and Clemson starter Jake Higginbotham each opened with five scoreless innings. Austin Peay (30-22) broke up the scoreless game in the sixth inning, using three consecutive walks to push in a pair of runs in the top of the sixth. Clemson returned the favor in its half of the sixth, using a bases-loaded walk followed by a sac fly to tie the game, 2-2.
Both teams would bend but not break over the next four and a half innings. Clemson would have an opportunity with a runner on third base in both the ninth and 10th frames. However, the Govs would cut a man down at the plate in the ninth and used a double play in the 10th to bring the threats to a close.
Austin Peay would have its chances in the 10th and 11th innings, getting a runner to second base in each inning. The 10th saw the opportunity arise with two out and a sharp ground ball could not get through the infield, ending the chance. One inning later, the scorinig opportunity arose with one out, but Clemson got a ground out and strike out to hold the score.
Right fielder Nick Walker had Austin Peay’s only multi-hit day, finishing 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored. Designated hitter Brett Newberg and shortstop Bobby Head each had bases-loaded walks for the Govs only RBI.
Austin Peay now returns home to close out its regular-season schedule with a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series against Eastern Illinois. The Governors will enter the weekend looking to claim the No. 2 seed in the upcoming OVC Baseball Championship.