APSU Men’s Baseball
Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University’s baseball team surrendered a five-run lead but battled back with a big eighth inning to secure a 10-7 victory against South Dakota State, Tuesday night, at Raymond C. Hand Park.
Austin Peay (7-3) scored the game’s first five runs and led 6-2 entering the seventh inning. However, the Govs had to sit on that lead for over two hours as rain delayed the contest.
South Dakota State loaded the bases in the eighth, starting with first baseman Erik DeJong’s leadoff double. Austin Peay reliever Jeremy Dobbs entered the game and walked two and struck out two, loading the bases.
Jackrabbits catcher Joel Blake hit a ground ball to shortstop Reed Harper who turned and threw the ball to third. However, the ball skipped by third baseman Greg Bachman and into the Govs dugout. After an extended discussion, the Jackrabbits were awarded three runs on the play, tying the game. Dobbs would strikeout the next batter he faced to end the inning.
But the Govs did not break, rallying for four runs in its half of the eighth. Center fielder Michael Blanchard started the rally with a one-out triple down the right field line. Right fielder Jon Clinard was hit by a pitch and Harper was walked to load the bases.
Second baseman Jordan Hankins hit a weak grounder to the right side of the mound and Blanchard beat the throw home. First baseman John Hogan kept the rally going with an RBI single through the left side. Designated hitter Cody Hudson finished the rally with a two-run single lined right back past the pitcher, giving APSU a 10-6 lead.
The Jackrabbits put their first three batters in the ninth inning on base, including a RBI single by DeJong, but Dobbs settled back in to force a fielder’s choice and a pair of strike outs to end the threat.
Hogan finished the game 3-for-5 with three RBI, including a home run and a triple. Hudson also was 2-for-4 with three RBI, including a solo home run. Blanchard also had three hits for the Govs who pounded out 14 hits.
Dobbs (2-0) recorded the final six outs for the win, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks while striking out five. The Jackrabbits late comeback wiped out a quality start by Alex Belew who allowed two runs and struck out seven over the first six innings.
DeJong led the SDSU offensive effort with a 4-for-5, three RBI effort that included a home run and two doubles. Reliever Trever Vermeulen suffered the loss after facing seven batters in the eighth, recording one out.
Austin Peay and South Dakota State will continue their midweek series with a 4:00pm, Wednesday contest.
