Photo - APSU Athletics
Austin Peay State University’s baseball team fell behind early and could not recover, dropping a 9-0 nonconference decision to Middle Tennessee, Tuesday night at Raymond C. Hand Park. Middle Tennessee (9-8) jumped out a quick lead when it sent 11 batters to the plate in the first inning, scoring six runs. Left fielder Blake Benefield had a two-run double and catcher Jake Hagenow added a two-run single to help build the 6-0 lead.
Austin Peay (10-7) saw its bullpen enter the game in the first inning and rally to keep the Blue Raiders largely in check through the final eight innings. Greg Leban entered with two outs in the first inning and provided 3.2 innings of scoreless relief, before allowing a home run in the fifth. Kyle Wilson, Ross Walker and Ethan Clark followed Leban to finish the contest, allowing just one run between them.
The Governors offense could not solve the Middle Tennessee pitching staff, particularly starter Grant Williams (2-1) who tossed six scoreless innings while scattering three hits and five walks while striking out six batters. Three other Blue Raiders pitchers each tossed a scoreless inning to complete the shutout.
Catcher David Martinez had a third-inning double in his 1-for-3 outing. Second baseman Malcolm Tipler, third baseman Max Remy and pinch hitter Brett Newberg each had a hit in the Govs four-hit outing.
First baseman Brett Stratinsky paced the Blue Raiders with a 2-for-4, three RBI outing that included a two-run home run in the fifth inning.
(Courtesy APSU Athletics)
