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HomeSportsBat Govs begin 2011 campaign with three-game set against Valparaiso

Bat Govs begin 2011 campaign with three-game set against Valparaiso

APSU Men’s Baseball

Austin Peay State University GovernorsClarksville, TN – Austin Peay’s baseball team opens its 2011 season with a three-game series against Valparaiso at Raymond C. Hand Park. The season gets underway with a 3:00pm, Friday contest followed by noon contests both Saturday and Sunday.

The Govs open at the friendly confines of Raymond C. Hand Park where they posted a 21-7 record last season. Austin Peay will look to get the season off to a quick start as they play 10 of their first 12 games at home.

Senior Ryne Harper will get the nod in the Govs season opener against Valparaiso, Friday. (Austin Peay Sports Information)
Senior Ryne Harper will get the nod in the Govs season opener against Valparaiso, Friday. (Austin Peay Sports Information)

Austin Peay will feature a predominantly new roster this season with 17 newcomers joining 14 returning letterwinners. Three of those newcomers will work their way into the Govs starting lineup. Freshman P.J. Torres (catcher), Jordan Hankins (second base) and junior transfer Tyler Childress (designated hitter) will begin the season in the starting nine.

Those newcomers join and established infield group that will see the return of junior Greg Bachman at third base. Sophomores John Hogan (first base) and Reed Harper (shortstop) also return after playing every game last season as freshmen. Jon Clinard, the Govs other returning infield starter, will move to right field for the season opener.

Jon ClinardThe outfield will be anchored by Clinard and sophomore Cody Hudson, who returns in left field.  Junior Michael Blanchard and freshman Rolando Gautier will continue their battle for the center field starting spot into the regular-season.

On the mound, the Govs will turn to seniors Ryne Harper and Jack Snodgrass in the season’s first two games. Harper will seek a return to his 2009 form when he struck out 45 batters in 49 innings. Snodgrass returns to the pitching rotation after missing 2010 due to an injury. The weekend’s third start will go to redshirt freshman  Alex Belew who will make his first collegiate start.

Ryne HarperValparaiso begins a season-opening 23-game road trip with its first visit to Clarksville since the 2008 season. The Crusaders were picked to finish fourth in the Horizon League after posting a 24-32 record last season, including a 9-10 fourth-place finish in the league.

The Crusaders return three all-conference selections from last season’s team: outfielder Kyle Gaedele (2nd team, all-tournament), outfielder Steven Scoby (all-tournament) and catcher Robbie Robinson (all-newcomer).

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