MURRAY, Ky. – (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) Austin Peay State University’s baseball team could not replicate its performance in its Ohio Valley Conference opener, dropping the second half of a Saturday doubleheader, 11-3, to Murray State at Johnny Reagan Field.
Austin Peay (5-7, 1-1 OVC) would chase that early deficit the rest of the game but was unable to piece together a rally that produced multiple runs. The Govs would score single runs in the second, fifth and seventh innings but could not close the gap.
The Govs scored in the second and seventh innings after leadoff extra-base hits in each frame. Center fielder Garrett Spain started the second frame with a triple – his third of the season – and scored on catcher David Martinez’ ground out. Martinez had a leadoff double in the seventh and eventually scored on designated hitter Matt Joslin’s sacrifice fly.
But Murray State responded each time the Govs scored, adding runs in the second, fourth, sixth and eighth frames to secure their lead. Racers starter Shane Burns benefited from the offensive outburst, picking up his season’s first win after holding APSU to three runs on four hits over seven innings.
Austin Peay used five pitchers in the contest, starter Josh Rye (1-2) suffered the loss after allowing six runs while recording one out in the first inning. The Governors six hits were scattered among six different hitters. Martinez went 1-for-3 with an RBI for the second straight game while Joslin went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored.
Duke, Anderson and designated hitter Sean Darmafall each had three hits to lead Murray State’s offense. Anderson finished 3-for-5 with two home runs, adding a sixth-inning solo shot to his tally.
Austin Peay and Murray State will conclude their three-game OVC series with a 1:30 p.m., Monday contest at Johnny Reagan Field.