TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) Austin Peay State University’s baseball team saw its offense held to four hits in an 8-1 loss to Indiana State, Friday afternoon at Bob Warn Field. A pitcher’s duel quickly developed between Austin Peay starter Brandon Vial and Indiana State starter Tristan Polley with neither starter allowing a run through the first three innings.
Indiana State (8-1) broke through first, using a pair of doubles in the fourth inning to score twice. Right fielder Roby Enriquez led off the frame with a double and scored on designated hitter Joe Boyle’s one-out double for the game’s first run. Left fielder CJ Huntley would tack on a second run with a sacrifice fly.
Austin Peay (3-5) would not let the Sycamores’ outburst go unanswered. Right fielder Aaron Campbell led off the fifth with an infield single. He would score on third baseman Gino Avros’ ground out that also pushed shortstop Bobby Head into scoring position. But Polley got another ground out to end the threat with a 2-1 lead.
The Sycamores would tack on a key insurance run in the sixth when Huntley drove in a run with a single. Two innings later, Indiana State broke the game open with third baseman Jake Means’ grand slam capping a five-run burst that set the final score.
Polley (2-0) kept Austin Peay at bay en route to the win scattering three hits while recording 13 ground outs and eight strikeouts from the 28 batters he faced in eight innings of work.
Vial (0-1) allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out five of the 24 batters he faced over five innings but suffered the loss.
Austin Peay’s four hits were divided between catcher David Martinez, Campbell, center fielder Garrett Spain and pinch hitter Griffin Rivers. Indiana State posted 13 hits in the win, Dungan and Enriques each posting three hits.
Austin Peay and Indiana State resume the three-game series with a noon (CT), Saturday contest at Bob Warn Field.
Cody Bush
Director of Athletics Communications
Volleyball and Baseball
Austin Peay State University