CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (ESPN Clarksville) Austin Peay State University starting pitcher Josh Rye surrendered just three runs over five-plus innings, but Kentucky again pieced together a late charge to claim an 11-1 victory, Sunday, at Joe and Cathi Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park.

For the first time in the series, Austin Peay (0-3) scored first and again it was center fielder Garrett Spain who delivered the run. After first baseman Parker Phillips doubled to start the second inning, Spain found the hole in the infield for a run-scoring single and a 1-0 Austin Peay lead.

The Governors would have a crucial opportunity to increase their lead in the fifth inning, getting runners on second and third base with one out. But the Wildcats escaped as a pair of relievers combined for back-to-back strikeouts to end the threat.

Rye (0-1) would stymie Kentucky through five-plus scoreless innings, particularly when the visitors would get runners on base. The Wildcats would go hitless in their first 11 at-bats with a runner on base against the Govs left-hander.

That streak included the opening moments of the pivotal sixth inning. After Braydon Daniel led off the frame with a walk, Rye would get outs on a mishit bunt and a deep fly ball to nearly end the threat. However, designated hitter T.J. Collett rifled a ground ball down the first base line to keep the Kentucky rally alive. One batter later first baseman Dalton Reed delivered a three-run homer to right-center field to give Kentucky the lead for good, 3-1.

Kentucky (3-0) would eventually extend its lead with two runs in the seventh and six more in the eighth as the Govs surrendered seven unearned runs in the closing frames.

Rye was the hard-luck loser despite limiting Kentucky to three runs over his 5.2-inning start. He struck out a career-high tying seven of the 23 batters he faced and allowed only four hits and
two walks.

Kentucky reliever Carson Coleman (2-0) picked up his second win of the series with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief. Starter Dillon Marsh was left with no decision after allowing one run over four innings.

Six different Govs hitters finished with one hit each, Spain along with fellow freshmen Gino Avros and Sebastian Martinez each posting a hit. Collett and right fielder Jaren Shelby each had three hits to pace Kentucky, Shelby ended the day 3-for-5 with two RBI.

Austin Peay now prepares for its role as co-host of the 2019 Mule Mix Classic. That event is scheduled to start with a 3 p.m., Thursday contest against Bradley (2-1), which won its season-opening series at Central Arkansas. The Govs also are scheduled to host Western Michigan, Toledo, and Northern Illinois in the four-day event.

Cody Bush
Director of Athletics Communications
Volleyball and Baseball