Pucheu strikes out career-high 12, Govs roll to series win

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (ESPN Clarksville) Starting pitcher Jacques Pucheu struck out a career-high 12 batters and Austin Peay State University’s baseball team powered to a 10-4 Ohio Valley Conference victory against Tennessee Tech, Saturday, on Joe Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Pucheu (3-0) opened and closed his six scoreless innings by striking out the side and struck out two batters in each of the third, fourth and fifth innings. He had to work out of trouble only once when Tennessee Tech loaded the bases with two out in the fifth. He would end that threat with his ninth strikeout of the day.

For the second-straight game, Austin Peay (7-9, 3-2 OVC) provided its starting pitcher with first-inning run support. First baseman Parker Phillips’ three-run home run off the top of the wall in the first inning provided first-inning support.

The Govs offense wasn’t done there, scoring in each of the first five innings as it jumped out to a 10-0 lead. However, Austin Peay only drove in three of its runs in a seven-run burst from the second through the fifth innings.

Tennessee Tech (10-8, 2-3 OVC) would score its first runs of the series in the eighth inning when third baseman Gavin McMean’s drove in a pair of runs with a bases-loaded single, cutting the deficit to 10-3. The Golden Eagles added their fourth run after a leadoff walk worked its way around to score.

Pucheu faced just 23 batters in his 12-strikeout game as he allowed two hits and three walks. He ran his scoreless inning streak to 22 innings with the six scoreless frames.

Phillips led the Govs offense with a 2-for-2, three RBI day that included a double and saw him hit by a pitch twice – his 40th and 41st career times hit by a pitch. Center fielder Garrett Spain, catcher David Martinez and designated hitter Matt Joslin each had a hit and an RBI.

Tennessee Tech starter Mark Leonard (1-1) went just two innings, allowing five runs on six hits. Johns’ 1-for-2, two RBI outing led the Golden Eagles, which posted only five hits.

Austin Peay and Tennessee Tech close their three-game OVC set with a 1 p.m., Sunday contest at The Hand. The Governors will turn to right-hander Brandon Vial (0-2, 4.02 ERA) against Golden Eagles righty Thomas Saliba (2-0, 10.38 ERA).