Phillips’ 150th career RBI provides early lead as Govs win opener

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (ESPN Clarksville) First baseman Parker Phillips hit an early solo home run, and Austin Peay State University’s baseball team pulled away late in a dominant 12-1 nonconference victory against Jacksonville, Friday night on Joe Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Austin Peay (24-21) got on the board in the first inning thanks to Phillips’ bat. He hammered a solo home run off the top of the scoreboard in left field to give the Govs an early 1-0 lead.
Phillips’ cousin, starting pitcher Josh Rye, made that run hold up as he held Jacksonville to one hit through the first four innings. He would allow a hit in both the fifth and sixth innings but did not surrender a run.

The Governors offense pulled away late, scoring in each of its final five innings. Catcher David Martinez and shortstop Garrett Kueber each drove had an RBI base hit in the fourth as the Austin Peay lead reached 3-1.

After the Dolphins defense aided single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, the Govs broke the game open with a four-run seventh. A balk, sac fly and a two-run single by designated hitter John McDonald provided the four runs to respond to the Dolphins lone tally in the top of the seventh.

Rye (7-3) set a career-high with his seventh victory this season, tossing six scoreless frames while striking out six of the 23 batters he faced. The Govs’ bullpen would allow a run on two hits but struck out six over the final three innings.

Phillips notched his 150th career RBI thanks to the solo shot in the first and went 2-for-2 with a double, homer and four runs scored. Center fielder Garrett Spain went 2-for-4 with three RBI, extending his reached safely streak to 42 games – tied for the second longest streak in program history. McDonald was 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Jacksonville (24-21) broke up the Austin Peay shutout bid in the seventh inning on center fielder Ruben Someillian’s double that was part of a 1-for-3, one RBI outing. Dolphins starter Tyler Santana suffered the loss after allowing four runs on seven hits over five innings.

Austin Peay and Jacksonville are scheduled to continue their three-game series with a 1 p.m., Saturday contest at Raymond C. Hand Park. With inclement weather forecast for the Clarksville area, schedule changes will be available on LetsGoPeay.com or via Twitter by following @AustinPeayBSB.