CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Baseball was finally back on Wednesday at Raymond C. Hand Park, as Austin Peay welcomed in No. 17 Tennessee for their 2021 home opener. It was the first time the Governors had hosted the Vols since 2011.
Despite not getting the start, Clarksville native and former Rossview baseball player Elijah Pleasants was spectacular in relief for UT to help lead Tennessee to a 5-3 victory.
FINAL@Vol_Baseball 5
@AustinPeayBSB 3@PleasantsElijah caps off a marvelous performance with a strikeout to earn the win for Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/Y6Wj9geMKm— Neil Rye (@NryeTBB) March 4, 2021
The junior right-hander tossed six shutout innings, scattering three hits while striking out six batters to earn the win.
The Governors jumped out with an early lead, after pushing across three runs in the bottom of the third inning.
Second baseman John Bolton and left fielder TJ Foreman led off the inning with back-to-back singles before center fielder Garrett Spain lined a ball past the shortstop to bring in the first run of the game.
Bottom of the 3rd@garrettspain28 puts the Govs on the board, as @AustinPeayBSB leads 1-0. Runners at the corners and no outs. pic.twitter.com/d7CRC6OiG1
— Neil Rye (@NryeTBB) March 3, 2021
After Foreman scored on a fielder’s choice by first baseman John McDonald, Spain took home on a passed ball to give Austin Peay a 3-0 advantage.
Governor starting pitcher Luke Brown kept the Vol hitters off-balance through four innings, allowing no runs on two hits while punching out four hitters.
Tennessee struck for five runs in the top of the fifth inning, as the Vols took advantage of a blunder from Austin Peay right fielder Jeremy Wagner.
With the bases loaded and one out, shortstop Liam Spence picked up an RBI single to get things started for the Vols.
After a hit batsman, third baseman Jake Rucker tied the game on a two-run base hit.
Austin Peay head baseball coach Travis Janssen then went to his bullpen.
The pitching change proved to be unsuccessful, as Tennessee went out in front for good after a sacrifice fly and another hit batsman brought two more runs in.
Another Clarksville native and Rossview product, Christian Scott, went 0-for-3 with a walk for the Vols.
Foreman led the Govs with a 3-for-5 effort on the night.
End of the 2nd
@AustinPeayBSB 0@Vol_Baseball 0Tennessee starting pitcher Camden Sewell gets out of the jam. @RHShawkbaseball product Christian Scott is due up next for the Vols to start the third inning. pic.twitter.com/441SiHyRgN
— Neil Rye (@NryeTBB) March 3, 2021
Austin Peay (1-6) travels to Northwestern State Friday, March 5 for a three-game set with the Demons.
No. 17 Tennessee (8-2) takes on Georgia State Friday, March 5 in the first of a three-game homestand at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.