Austin Peay Governors Baseball lose to the Memphis Tigers

APSU Sports: Austin Peay Baseball

Memphis, TN – Austin Peay State University’s baseball team led for six innings but could not hold on as the Memphis Tigers won in walk-off fashion, 3-2, Tuesday night at FedEx Park.

Memphis (6-10) rallied from a 2-0 deficit, tying the game in the sixth, before piecing together the game-winning rally in the ninth.

Austin Peay (9-6) struck quickly with a run in the first after centerfielder Michael Blanchard scored on third baseman Greg Bachman’s single. However, Bachman would be cut down later in the inning after rounding second on second baseman Jordan Hankins’ single, ending the Govs threat.

That runner being cut down on the basepaths was an early theme for the Govs, who lost four baserunners in the contest’s first five frames. The third inning was particularly damaging as Austin Peay began the inning with back-to-back singles by left fielder Cody Hudson and designated hitter Jon Clinard.

The Govs then attempted a double steal only to see Hudson called out at third when he lost contact with the base. Blanchard walked to give the Govs runners at first and second again with one out, but that did not last long as APSU attempted to take advantage of a wild pitch. This time Clinard was out at third base for the inning’s second out. Bachman would ground out to end the inning.

Austin Peay scored its second run in the fourth, taking advantage of a lead off walk issued to shortstop Reed Harper. Hankins walked to move Harper to second where he then stole third base. Catcher P.J. Torres would bring the run home with a sacrifice fly.

Memphis (6-10) began its comeback on the mound when it brought in reliever Patrick Bailey. Soon after his arrival, the Govs lost their fourth baserunner when first baseman Tyler Childress was caught stealing. Bailey then proceeded to limit the Govs to two hits over his four innings.

The Tigers began the sixth inning with back-to-back doubles, including Willis’ RBI double, to chase Austin Peay starter Lucas Anderson from the mound.  Memphis then tied the game two batters later on designated hitter Eli Hynes ground out.

Austin Peay had one last chance to regain the lead, getting two runners on base with one out in the ninth, but saw a strikeout and fly out end the threat.

Austin Peay reliever Chuck Edlin (0-2) was tagged for the loss after allowing the one unearned run in the ninth and pitching two innings. Anderson went five-plus innings – the longest outing of his career – and struck out five while allowing two runs. Kacy Kemmer followed with a scoreless inning of relief before turning the ball over to Edlin who went two innings.

The Govs offense posted 10 hits with Clinard, Bachman and Hankins each recording two hits. Bachman and Torres had the Govs only RBI.

Jonathan van Eaton (1-0) picked up the win in relief, holding the Govs scoreless in the ninth despite surrendering two hits. Bailey finished his four-inning outing allowing two hits and striking out two.

Memphis had just eight hits in the victory, McClain and first baseman T.J. Rice each recording two hits.

Austin Peay returns to Clarksville and Raymond C. Hand Park for a 6:00pm contest today against Evansville.

Box Score

Austin Peay Governors at Memphis Tigers
March 13th, 2012 at Clarksville, TN (FedExPark)

Score by Innings                    R  H  E
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Austin Peay......... 100 100 000 -  2 10  2
Memphis............. 000 002 001 -  3  8  0
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