Early errors cost Govs in loss at Mississippi

APSU Men’s Baseball

Oxford, MS – Austin Peay State University’s baseball team came out on the short end of a wild first inning and lost 11-3 at No. 28 Mississippi in non-conference action, Wednesday night.

Austin Peay (5-2) began the game with three consecutive hits, second baseman Jordan Hankins’ RBI single the last of three, but scoring the first run. Two batters later first baseman John Hogan added a run on a sacrifice fly, giving the Govs a 2-0 lead.

Mississippi (9-1) struck back in its half of the first, scoring six times. The first five Rebels hitters reached base, including one courtesy a Govs error. That error proved costly as it led to five unearned runs in the frame. Mississippi catcher Taylor Hightower struck the big blow with a three-run double that closed out the inning’s scoring.

The Rebels added two runs in the second and three more in the fifth. Right fielder Matt Tracy’s two-run single accounted for the second inning’s tally. Designated hitter Matt Snyder added a three-run home run in the fifth – the game’s final runs.

Austin Peay scored in the fifth as right fielder Rolando Gautier’s groundout cashed in a leadoff walk and a pair of wild pitches. However, after the first inning the Govs had just three baserunners until the eighth inning. APSU left the bases loaded in the eighth and left two more men on base in the ninth.

The Govs were limited to six hits, with no player recording more than one hit. Hankins finished 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Austin Peay starter Alex Belew (1-1) suffered the brunt of the Govs early defensive miscues and was tagged for the loss. He allowed eight runs (three earned) on seven hits and four walks over two innings.

Mike Mayers (1-0) picked up the win after allowing three runs on four hits over five innings. Snyder finished the night 2-for-2 with four RBI.

Austin Peay returns to action when it hosts Eastern Michigan and Alabama A&M in the Riverview Inn Invitational Friday-Sunday. The Govs will face Eastern Michigan in a 3:00pm, Friday contest to start the tournament.