APSU Sports Information
Edwardsville, IL – Third baseman Logan Gray worked a bases-loaded walk and right fielder Chase Hamilton hit a two-run double in the 10th inning to lead Austin Peay State University’s baseball team to a 7-4 come-from-behind, extra-inning victory against SIU Edwardsville, Sunday, in Ohio Valley Conference action at Simmons Baseball Complex.
Austin Peay (31-18, 21-9 OVC) faced a 4-3 deficit after six innings – a situation that they had overcome just twice in 19 tries this season.
Still, the Govs rallied to tie the game in the seventh when three straight batters reached safely with one out. First baseman Dre Gleason leveled the score, 4-4, with a sacrifice fly to deep center field.
Neither team would score over the remainder of regulation. SIUE (9-37, 6-30 OVC) had the best opportunity down the stretch, placing two runners on base with one out in the eighth. The Govs turned to closer Jared Carkuff who promptly induced a fly out and then struck out a batter to end the threat.
The Governors wore the Cougars bullpen out with its patience in the 10th. Five of the first six batters earned walks to start the frame, resulting in the tie-breaking run when Gray watched four straight balls for a bases-loaded walk. Right fielder Chase Hamilton followed with a double into the right-center gap that bounced over the wall for a two-run, ground-rule double and a 7-4 APSU lead.
Carkuff (5-0) shut the door in the 10th, allowing only a two-out walk before getting a fly out to end the game. He picked up the win in relief after tossing 2.2 scoreless, hitless innings while striking out two.
Austin Peay starter Michael Costanzo was left with no decision despite posting his best start in a road contest this season. He would allow two runs in both the first and second innings. SIUE built a 4-1 lead when right fielder Logan Andersen hit a two-run home run in the second.
But Costanzo made an adjustment on the mound after the second, moving to the first base side of the rubber, and the effect was immediate. He would allow a two-out single in the third before beginning a stretch where he retired the final 13 batters he faced. That stretch allowed the Govs offense more than enough time to construct its come-back effort.
Austin Peay finished the game with 14 hits and won despite stranding 14 men on base. The Govs also had 10 walks in the contest – six coming in the fateful 10th inning.
Andersen paced SIUE with a 2-for-5, two RBI outing. After the first 10 batters posted five hits through 1.2 innings, the Cougars were held to three hits over its final 30 plate appearances, finishing the game with eight hits.
SIUE reliever Zach Malach (1-2) was tagged for the loss after allowing three runs on four walks and a base hit over 1.2 innings. Starter Brandon Tatum did not factor into the decision after holding Austin Peay to two runs on four hits over the opening three innings.
Austin Peay’s final week of regular-season play will take it out of conference action. The Govs are scheduled to travel to Lipscomb for a 6:00pm, Tuesday contest. Austin Peay then closes out the slate with a three-game home series against Big 12 foe Oklahoma, beginning with a 6:00pm, Thursday contest at Raymond C. Hand Park.
