APSU Sports Information
Clarksville, TN – Center fielder Garrett Spain’s hard ground ball to first base in the 11th inning proved enough for third baseman Gino Avros to score from third providing the Austin Peay State University (APSU) baseball team a 7-6 walkoff victory against Morehead State, Friday night, in Ohio Valley Conference action on Joe Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park.
Austin Peay (18-15, 11-6 OVC) saw its 4-0 and 6-2 leads disappear as Morehead State rallied for four runs in the eight. The Governors then had to turn aside the Eagles after they put men into scoring position with less than two outs in both the 10th and 11th innings.
But Austin Peay withstood the opportunities and created their own in the 11th. Avros led off the inning with a single up the middle and moved to the second on a sacrifice bunt. Catcher David Martinez then singled through the left side, allowing Avros to reach third.
With the infield drawn in, Spain smashed a ground ball to first base. After fielding the ball, the Eagles infielder threw home in an attempt to get Avros, but the throw sailed and Avros slid under the catcher and emphatically touched home to end the game.
The walkoff effort made a winner of reliever Brett Newberg who tossed 3.1 scoreless innings of relief, striking out six and scattering three hits. Governors starter Josh Rye pieced together his second straight quality start – going six scoreless innings while striking out six – but was left with no decision.
Avros posted his first career four-hit outing, scoring three times. Spain went 1-for-4 with two RBI and catcher David Martinez also had two RBI as part of his 2-for-4 outing. Left fielder Aaron Campbell followed up his three-hit opener with a 2-for-5 performance that saw him score twice.
Zach Boyd hit a pinch hit RBI double in the seventh and added a three-run double in the eighth to lead Morehead State with a 2-for-3, four RBI outing. Third baseman Stephen Hill tied the game with his RBI single in the eighth, his lone hit of the game.
Morehead State reliever Landon Weins (3-1) surrendered one run on four hits and two walks over his 3.1 innings of relief and suffered the loss. Eagles starter Will Lozinak allowed six runs on eight hits over 6.1 innings but was let off the hook after the Eagles late rally.
Moment That Mattered
The Governors had to dodge a pair of Eagles threats in extra innings, but none bigger than in the 10th inning. Morehead State’s leadoff batter reached second base after a pair of Governors miscues on the same play, putting reliever Brett Newberg in a tough spot. The Govs stopper responded by striking out the side – the 8-9-1 batters – to help preserve the 6-6 tie.
Water Cooler Chatter
Home Twinbill Magic
Friday’s doubleheader was the fourth the Governors have played this season The Govs are now 2-1-1 in doubleheaders. However, Austin Peay has won both its home twinbills downing Northern Illinois and now Morehead State.
Top Five Production
The top five in the Governors batting order did the bulk of the damage in Friday’s nightcap. Led by Avros’ four-hit effort, the Govs top five had nine of the team’s 12 hits and was responsible for all six RBI in the contest.
What The Day Meant
With the sweep of Friday’s doubleheader, Austin Peay finished the day second in the OVC race. The Govs 11-6 OVC mark is level with Jacksonville State’s 9-4 mark, except that the Gamecocks .692 win percentage puts them well ahead of the Govs .647 win rate. The top seven spots in the OVC standings remain separated by just 2½ games.
Next Up For APSU Baseball
APSU Baseball and Morehead State are scheduled to conclude their three-game OVC series with a 1:00pm, Saturday contest at Raymond C. Hand Park.
