Jacksonville, FL – Center fielder Garrett Spain was a single shy of the cycle and drove in four runs, leading the Austin Peay State University (APSU) baseball team to a series-leveling 11-7 victory against Jacksonville, Saturday afternoon at Sessions Stadium.
Spain sparked the Govs to the lead twice in the game. His two-run double capped a four-run third inning that gave Austin Peay State University its first lead of the series, 4-2. After Jacksonville regained the lead, Spain belted a two-run home run to right field – his second homer of the season – to give the APSU Govs a 6-5 advantage they would not relinquish.
Spain wasn’t done, adding a leadoff triple to start a three-run ninth and capping his 3-for-5, four RBI outing that also saw him score three times. Catcher Alex Hay, designated hitter TJ Foreman and first baseman Ty DeLancey also had two hits each.
Austin Peay State University (4-6) continued to battle through slow starts on the mound, Jacksonville (4-7) opening the game with two runs in the first and three in the fifth to take a 5-4 lead after three innings. However, the APSU Govs bullpen would take over in the fourth and combined to limit the Dolphins to two runs over the final six innings.
Reliever Drew McIllwain (1-0) pieced together the most impressive effort out of the pen, tossing three scoreless frames for the win. He entered in the fifth with two runners on base and no outs with the Govs leading 6-5 and promptly induced a fielder’s choice and two fly balls to end the threat.
Jacksonville starter Tyler Santana (0-2) was tagged for six runs on eight hits and four walks in 4.1 innings. The Dolphins pitching staff surrendered 11 runs but saw only five earned after the JU defense committed four errors in the contest.
Designated hitter Jacob Southern went 2-for-5 with three RBI, including a two-run home run in the ninth that set the final score. Shortstop Dakota Julyia went 1-for-5 with a two-run single in the third inning.
Next Up For Austin Peay State University
The Austin Peay State University baseball team and Jacksonville meet one more time, squaring off for a noon (CT), Sunday rubber match. The Govs will turn to right-hander Kyle Nunn, who is penciled in to make his first start.
