CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) Designated hitter Parker Phillips hit a grand slam to punctuate a seven-run second inning as Austin Peay State University’s baseball team posted a 15-8 series-opening victory against Indiana State, Friday, at Raymond C. Hand Park.
Austin Peay (7-2) sent 10 men to the plate in the second frame, opening with first baseman Andrew Flaherty’s double. Third baseman Malcolm Tipler drove in a run with a single before second baseman Garrett Giovannelli (walk) and right fielder Nick Walker (hit by pitch) each reached base with the bases loaded to drive in a run. Phillips followed with his grand slam to put a period on the seven-run outburst.
The outburst provided all the support Governors starting pitcher Michael Costanzo (2-0) would need. After allowing a double in a two-run first inning, the senior lefty would not allow another hit until the sixth inning en route to the win. Costanzo would finish with a season-high seven innings, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out eight.
The Governors offense would tack on two runs in the fourth when Giovannelli would lift a home run to left field to secure the victory. A four-run sixth was paced by pinch hitter Aaron Campbell’s two-run single and extended the lead to 13-2.
Indiana State (5-4) would rally for five runs, courtesy four run-scoring doubles, in the ninth to tighten the score. Second baseman Jarrod Watkins capped the rally with a RBI single to finish the day 2-for-4 with a RBI.
Sycamores starter Tristan Weaver (1-1) was tagged for nine runs on six hits and four walks to suffer his season’s first loss.
Phillips ended the day 1-for-5 and four RBI while Giovannelli chipped in a 2-for-4 with another four RBI.
Austin Peay and Indiana State continue their three-game series with a 1 p.m., Saturday contest at Raymond C. Hand Park. The Governors will send lefty Jacques Pucheu (1-0) to the mound while the Sycamores will counter with left-hander Triston Polley (2-0).