Topic: Jon Clinard

Govs’ 2B Hankins chosen to represent Team USA this summer

By Wade Neely | June 14, 2012 |

Govs IF Jordan Hankins (left) celebrates with Jon Clinard in a Govs’ win earlier this season over Murray State. Wednesday, Hankins was selected as one of 30 players to represent the USA Collegiate National Team this summer.

An already promising summer just got a lot better for Austin Peay baseball standout Jordan Hankins.

After already accepting an offer to play in the prestigious Cape Cod League this summer, the Govs’ second baseman became the first player in school history to be selected for the USA Collegiate National Team late Wednesday night.

Hankins, who helped guide the Govs to a 40-24 record and a pair of wins in the Eugene Regional this season, was one of 30 players invited to join the team and has reportedly already been ensured of a spot on the team’s 22-man roster.

“It’s awesome,” Hankins said. “It’s an incredible honor to compete on a team with USA on the front of the jersey. When Coach (Gary) McClure told me last night, I wasn’t able to find the words for how humbled I was by the selection.”

After hitting .336 with 10 home runs and 66 runs batted in this season, Hankins had already committed to play in the Cape Cod League, which is regarded as the nation’s top wood bat league for collegiate players.

Instead, Hankins’ plans are now expected to change somewhat.

While details are still scarce at this point, the upcoming Govs’ junior is expected to remain in Massachusetts until reporting to camp later this month in North Carolina where Hankins will meet up with a familiar opponent.

Team USA is scheduled to play the Fayetteville Swampdogs – who will feature Govs’ shortstop Reed Harper – on June 25 in one of four tuneups on American soil before leaving for a five-game series against Cuba July 5-9.

After their series in Havana, Hankins and Team USA will fly to The Netherlands to conclude their summer schedule with a week-long tournament from July 14-22.

Not a bad summer for the Wentzville, Mo. native, who traveled to New England earlier this week as the first Gov to participate in the Cape Cod League since 2001.

Hankins’ success furthers what figures to be another successful summer for the Govs, who will send nine other players to various summer leagues across the country.

“I am extremely proud of Jordan,” Govs head coach Gary McClure said. “He has worked very hard and this opportunity is proof of that hard work. This puts him among an elite group of athletes from the entire country. I believe his selection to the national team will be a springboard to bigger and better things.”

Govs IF/OF Jon Clinard wins OVC’s sportsmanship award

By Wade Neely | May 31, 2012 |

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University baseball student-athlete Jon Clinard has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 Ohio Valley Conference Steve Hamilton Sportsmanship Award. The award will be officially presented on June 1 at the Conference’s annual Honors Brunch in Nashville.

The award is given annually to an Ohio Valley Conference male or female student-athlete of junior or senior standing who best exemplifies the characteristics of the late Morehead State student-athlete, coach and administrator Steve Hamilton. Criteria include significant athletics performance along with good sportsmanship and citizenship. The award is voted on by the Conference’s athletics directors and sports information directors.

Hamilton competed on OVC Championship teams in each baseball, basketball and track while at Morehead State. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1958 and a master’s degree also from Morehead Sate in 1963. He went on to have an 11-year major-league pitching career and coached in the minor leagues before returning to MSU in 1976 to become head baseball coach. He held that position for 13 years and compiled a 305-275 record while leading the Eagles to five divisional championships and two OVC titles. He was named Morehead State’s Director of Athletics in July 1988 and served in that position until his death in 1997. As the A.D., Hamilton led the program to success on the field, in facilities and in the classroom. During his tenure, a weight room was built, an academic counselor for athletes was added, graduation rates of student-athletes improved and the University won the OVC Academic Achievement Banner four times. Hamilton is the only individual to play in the NCAA Basketball Championship, a Major League Baseball World Series (New York Yankees) and a National Basketball Association Championship Series (Minnesota Lakers).

Playing infield, outfield and designated hitter for the Austin Peay baseball team, Clinard helped the Governors to back-to-back regular season and OVC Tournament championships each of the past two years. During the year he played in 58 games, hitting .272 with 62 hits, 42 runs, seven doubles, a triple, two home runs, 39 RBI and six stolen bases. Overall for his four-year career he has started over 175 games and ranks in the Top 20 in APSU history in stolen bases, hits, runs scored, triples and walks.

Clinard was named to the OVC All-Rookie Team in 2009 and was a second-team All-OVC pick as a second baseman in 2010. Last season he helped the Govs to the OVC regular season and tournament championships and a victory over Georgia Tech in the NCAA Regional. This year the team will play in the Oregon Regional against the host Ducks on Friday night.

In the classroom Clinard owns a 3.3 grade point average as a math major with a distributive teaching emphasis and a professional education minor. He has been a member of the APSU Athletics Director’s Honor Roll every semester of his collegiate career, an OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection and is member of the Pi Mu Epsilon math honors society.

Clinard has been an officer in the Austin Peay Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), President of the FCA Huddle Group and a member of the Galois Math Club. He attended the NCAA Leadership Conference in 2011 and was recently presented the Austin Peay Student-Athlete Leader Award.

The native of Cleveland, Tenn. has been a camp leader at numerous local children’s camps at Austin Peay, a speaker on the importance of college education at youth campus in his hometown, a guest reader at local elementary schools, participated in the FCA Food Drive, is a student leader in the Aqua College Ministry, a baseball Bible study leader, and participated in World Changers, a mission project that helped people in need in Savannah, Ga.

The Steve Hamilton Sportsmanship Award is being awarded for the 14th time in 2012. Clinard is the seventh different Austin Peay student-athlete to win the award and first since Carrie Burggraf won back-to-back awards in 2009 and 2010.

Other OVC student-athletes nominated for the award in 2011-12 included Eastern Illinois’ Bridget Sanchez (track and field), Eastern Kentucky’s Emory Attig (football), Jacksonville State’s Lauren Harkins (volleyball), Morehead State’s Emma Keough (volleyball), Murray State’s Mariah Robinson (basketball), Southeast Missouri State’s Paige Dossey (volleyball), SIUE’s Jessica Hemann (volleyball), Tennessee State’s Lawrence Washington (tennis), Tennessee Tech’s Lindsey Reed (soccer) and UT Martin’s Jenna Miller (volleyball).

Govs hang on for 10-7 win over Eagles; head into regular season finale tied for first place

By Wade Neely | May 19, 2012 |

Members of the Austin Peay baseball team celebrate earlier this season. The Govs hung on for a 10-7 win at Tennessee Tech Friday and can clinch the OVC's top seed with a win at TTU Saturday.

COOKEVILLE - The “Cardiac Govs” struck again as Austin Peay State University’s baseball team let a five-run lead dwindle to one run in the eighth inning before posting a 10-7 Ohio Valley Conference victory against Tennessee Tech, Friday, at Bush Stadium.

Austin Peay (33-21, 18-7 OVC) needed the victory to stay tied for first place in the OVC regular season race with Eastern Kentucky, which posted a win at Murray State earlier in the day. The Govs and Colonels, who are both assured a top-two finish in the league race, will enter the regular-season’s final day battling for the regular-season championship at different venues.

The Govs led 8-3 after six innings that to timely two-out hitting. Austin Peay scored two runs in the first on third baseman Greg Bachman’s two-out home run. APSU tacked on two two-out runs in both the fifth and six innings to build the five-run advantage.

Tennessee Tech (21-31, 10-15 OVC) went into Friday’s contest knowing it needed a victory to maintain its hopes of reaching the OVC Baseball Championship. The Golden Eagles proved they would not go down without a fight despite the deficit, using an Austin Peay seventh-inning error to score a single run.

However, it was the eighth inning that saw the Golden Eagles ratchet up the pressure. Tennessee Tech put the first five batters of the inning on base, sending two Govs pitchers to the bench in the process.

Austin Peay reliever Mike Hebert started the eighth and promptly surrendered back-to-back outfield singles. He made was for Zane Leffew who was unable to stem the sudden Tennessee Tech tide. TTU designated hitter Tevis Sherfield greeted Leffew with an RBI single. Shortstop Chad Hayes was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. Center fielder Austin Wulf narrowed the deficit to 8-7 with a single through the right side, ending Leffew’s night.

The Govs turned to closer Tyler Rogers with runners on the corners and no outs in the inning. Rogers struck out the first batter he faced before inducing an inning-ending double play to kill the threat with APSU leading 8-7.

Austin Peay fed off the momentum of that twin-killing, Bachman and catcher Matt Wollenzin hitting towering solo home runs to build the Govs lead back to 10-7.

Rogers could not shut the door without the Golden Eagles making a last threat. Tennessee Tech saw consecutive batters hit by a pitch with one out. However, Rogers settled in and got a strike out and a ground out to end the contest.

Austin Peay starter Casey Delgado (7-4) picked up the win after holding Tennessee Tech to four runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out seven over 6.1 innings. Rogers’ six-out performance was good for his season’s 11th save, tying the single-season mark held by Daniel Tenholder (2008).

Hankins, Bachman and shortstop Reed Harper – the Govs 3-4-5 hitters – combined for nine of the team’s 12 hits and eight of its 10 RBI. Hankins went 4-for-4 with two RBI and a double. Bachman was 2-for-4 with five RBI, a double and two home runs – his third multi-home run outing this season. Harper was 2-for-5 with an RBI.

Tennessee Tech starter Matthew Shepherd (4-5) was saddled with the loss after allowing six runs on six hits over five innings. Wulf led the Golden Eagles offense with a 3-for-5, two RBI performance.

Austin Peay and Tennessee Tech will conclude the regular-season slate with a 1 p.m., Saturday contest.

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Report courtesy Austin Peay Sports Information

Govs blanked for first time this season in 5-0 loss at Tennessee Tech Thursday

By Wade Neely | May 18, 2012 |

Austin Peay manager Gary McClure makes a mound visit in a game at Raymond C. Hand Park earlier this season. On Thursday, the Govs suffered their first shutout of the season in a 5-0 loss to Tennessee Tech.

Austin Peay entered its weekend series against Tennessee Tech needing two wins to clinch a second-consecutive regular season Ohio Valley Conference championship.

Unfortunately for the Govs, they fell into a tie for first place with Eastern Kentucky after suffering a 5-0 loss to the Eagles Thursday night.

Eagles starter Tristan Archer (4-4) proved to be the difference Thursday night, striking out 13 Govs hitters while scattering four hits over 8 1/3 innings in the win.

Govs starter Zach Toney (5-3) struggled at times, issuing three walks and offering up two Eagles home runs in the loss.

In all, the left-hander gave up eight hits and four runs — all of which were earned.

At the plate, the Govs were unable to get much going with Jon Clinard, Cody Hudson, Matt Wollenzin and Rolando Gautier recording the game’s lone hits.

Clinard’s single was the only base hit in 16 at-bats for the Govs first five hitters.

The loss marked the first shutout of the year for the Govs, who now must win the final two games of the weekend series to ensure a first-place finish.

The Colonels hung on for a 5-4 win over Murray State to pull even with the Govs atop the OVC standings.

If the regular season were to end with the two teams tied atop the standings, the Govs would earn the top seed in next week’s OVC Tournament by virtue of their head-to-head record (2-1) against the Colonels this season.

The Govs and Eagles will return to Bush Stadium Friday night for Game 2 of the three-game series.

Govs right-hander Casey Delgado (6-4, 6.39 ERA) is expected to make the start for the Govs while Matt Shepherd (4-4, 5.79) is expected to get the ball for the Eagles.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Bat Govs host Morehead State still clinging to first place

May 11, 2012 |

The Govs pounded out five home runs, including a walk-off solo shot from Tyler Childress, in an 9-8 victory over Murray State this year.

Austin Peay will look to maintain its slim half-game lead on the rest of the Ohio Valley Conference when it hosts Morehead State in its final home weekend, Friday-Sunday, at Raymond C. Hand Park. The three-game series begins with a game 6 p.m. Friday, followed by a 2 p.m. game Saturday. The Govs will honor its 11 seniors prior to a 1 p.m. game Sunday that will conclude the team’s home schedule.

SETTING THE SCENE

Dates: Friday-Sunday, May 11-13, 2012 | First Pitch: Listed below
Location: Clarksville, Tenn. | Stadium: Raymond C. Hand Park (777) | Live Stats: www.LetsGoPeay.com
Series: APSU leads, 46-27 | Streak: APSU, three wins | McClure vs. MOR: 43-25

GOVERNORS QUICK HITS

Austin Peay remains one-half game ahead of both Jacksonville State and Eastern Kentucky after winning 2 of 3 at SIU Edwardsville last weekend… in OVC play, center fielder Michael Blanchard has led the Govs with a .390 batting average that ranks 8th among OVC hitters… shortstop Reed Harper has slowly caught up with his teammate and is batting .384 in league play, ranking 11th among OVC hitters… Harper also leads the Govs with a .332 batting average and 14 doubles on the season as a whole… left fielder Cody Hudson is close behind with a .331 batting average… second baseman Jordan Hankins holds the team lead with 48 RBI while posting a .317 batting average… third baseman Greg Bachman has 11 home runs – one of seven OVC hitters with double-digit home runs – and 46 RBI while batting .295 this season… on the mound, Austin Peay will continue with its current rotation for the third consecutive week… senior Zach Toney, who has a 3-0 record and a 2.03 ERA that ranks 2nd among regular starters in OVC games this season, will get the nod for Game 1… sophomore Ryan Quick posted his season’s 8th quality start – his 1st in OVC play – in Game 2 at SIU Edwardsville last weekend and sports a 4-2 record and 6.22 ERA in league action… junior Casey Delgado, who has a 2-2 record and 5.59 ERA in OVC action, will hold down the No. 3 spot.

ABOUT MOREHEAD STATE

The Eagles return to action after dropping a three-game series, 2-1, at Tennessee Tech last weekend… Morehead State has lost six of its last seven, all in OVC play, and have fallen from a third-place tie into a tie for fifth place in that span… senior third baseman Andrew Deeds leads Morehead State’s offense in batting average (.422, 2nd in OVC), home runs (7), RBI (37) and stolen bases (12) this season… those numbers include a team-best .370 batting average with 4 home runs and 18 RBI in league play… the Eagles have four other players batting above .300 through 46 games, including junior shortstop Chase Greenwell who has posted a .344 batting average and a team-best 12 doubles… Aaron Goe has been a steady freshman performer for the Eagles in the No. 1 spot, compiling a 3-2 record and 4.36 ERA in OVC action… sophomore Noah Smallwood has been MSU’s Game 2 starter in OVC play, posting a 2-2 record and 4.00 ERA in league action… junior Garrick Whittle has been the Eagle’s Game 3 starter the past two weekends and is 0-2 with a 6.32 ERA in those two starts.

ELEVEN SENIORS TAKE PLAY FINAL HOME GAMES THIS WEEKEND

Eleven members of Austin Peay’s roster will make their final appearances at Raymond C. Hand Park: designated hitter Jon Clinard, center fielder Michael Blanchard, third baseman Greg Bachman, pitcher Chuck Edlin, pitcher Mike Hebert, pitcher Mark Allen Bounds III, pitcher Lucas Anderson, first baseman Tyler Childress, pitcher Zane Leffew, pitcher Zach Toney and pitcher Andy Cox. They will each be recognized prior to the start of Sunday’s home finale.

HANKINS HARD TO RETIRE

Sophomore second baseman Jordan Hankins has had a discerning eye at the plate this season. Entering the Morehead State series, he has recorded only 12 strikeouts in 186 at-bats (15.5 K/AB). Entering the week, his ratio of a strikeout every 16.2 at-bats was ranked 30th among Division I hitters. Hankins struck out in his final at-bat at Evansville, Wednesday, his first since April 18 at Middle Tennessee ending a streak of 51 at-bats without a strikeout. Hankins further increases the difficulty for opposing pitchers with a .317 batting average while leading the team in times hit by a pitch (10) and ranking second in walks (31) – giving him a team-best .439 on-base percentage that ranks ninth among OVC players.

GOVS TURN PROGRAM’S FIRST RECORDED TRIPLE PLAY

Austin Peay turned the program’s first recorded triple play in the fourth inning of Game 2 at SIU Edwardsville, May 5. With runners on first and second, SIUE right fielder Devin Caldwell hit a ground ball down the third-base line. APSU third baseman Greg Bachman moved to his right, picked up the bouncing ball and stepped on third base. He then turned and threw to second baseman Jordan Hankins for the second out. Hankins continued the action with a throw to first baseman Tyler Childress for the third out.

A RING ON ONE HAND, A DIPLOMA IN THE OTHER

Five members of the 2012 Govs baseball team were members, in absentia, of Austin Peay’s Spring Commencement, May 4: Greg Bachman, Mark Allen Bounds III, Jon Clinard, Mike Hebert, and Zach Toney. Additionally, Haskell Fink, a member of the 2011 squad, received in his diploma. The sextet continue Austin Peay’s tradition of “a ring on one hand, a diploma in the other” as each was a member of Austin Peay’s 2011 OVC Championship squad.

GETTING THE JOB DONE IN CAMOUFLAGE

Austin Peay debuted its new Camouflage Cap in its March 4 contest against Akron. A homage to those who serve in the US Armed Forces, the Govs will wear the cap for every home Sunday contest the rest of the season. The cap has provided its share of good luck for the Govs, who started 4-0 with the cap before falling to Jacksonville State, 8-2 April 29.

GOVS AT R.C.H.P.

Since the 2000 season, Austin Peay has made the most of Raymond C. Hand Park’s friendly confines, posting a 243-140 (.634) record at home. The Govs are assured of their 11th consecutive winning home season – and 30th in 43 seasons at RCHP – after winning the first game of the Jacksonville State series, April 27.

Govs drop series finale at SIU Edwardsville; cling to half-game lead atop OVC standings

By Wade Neely | May 7, 2012 |

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Austin Peay State University’s baseball team again scored its runs in a bunch but its pitching staff could not hold on, dropping a 9-8 decision to SIU Edwardsville, Sunday at Simmons Baseball Complex.

Austin Peay (28-18, 14-6 OVC) broke a 7-7 tie in the seventh, loading the bases with two outs thanks to a pair of walks and a single. Center fielder Michael Blanchard then bunted the ball down the third base line as part of a safety squeeze and catcher Matt Wollenzin sprinted home to score the go-ahead run. However, the Govs were unable to add to their lead as designated hitter Jon Clinard’s foul popup was caught by SIUE first baseman Joel Greatting as he ran into the fence.

SIU Edwardsville (24-24, 10-11 OVC) was unable to solve Austin Peay closer Tyler Rogers early as he retired the first four batters he faced, ending the seventh with a groundout before inducing three more in the eighth.

However, they got to the Govs closer in the ninth with all five batters in the frame reaching safely. Designated hitter Matt Highland drove home the tying run with is infield chopper that went no more than 10 feet. Rogers fielded the ball but could not make the scoop throw to Wollenzin at home. Shortstop Chase Green followed with a single up the middle, driving home the winning run.

Austin Peay jumped out quickly, scoring seven runs in the first three innings. The Govs converted all four walks they received in the first inning; including two that scored on left fielder Cody Hudson’s single. After adding a run in the second, Austin Peay struck for two runs in the third, one on catcher Matt Wollenzin’s double and another on center fielder Michael Blanchard’s single, giving APSU a 7-1 lead.

SIU Edwardsville (24-24, 10-11 OVC) climbed back into the game courtesy the long ball. First baseman Joel Greatting belted a two-run home run in the third, cutting the Govs lead to 7-3. Two innings later, third baseman Zach Hawkins cut the deficit to one run with his three-run home run. The Cougars tied the game, 7-7, in the sixth on left fielder Travis Becherer’s RBI single.

Rogers (3-2) suffered the loss after allowing two runs on four hits in the final 1.1-plus innings. Govs starter Casey Delgado allowed seven runs in the first 5.2 innings, including the two home runs.

SIUE closer Dustin Quattrocchi (5-1) picked up the win, holding Austin Peay without a run over the final 2.1 innings.

Blanchard led the Govs offense with a 3-for-5, two RBI outing that included two bunt singles. Shortstop Reed Harper and Hudson each added two hits.

Green was 3-for-5 with two RBI, including the game-winner and was responsible for the Cougars first run on a double in the second. Four other SIUE batters had two hits each.

Austin Peay will return to action when it hosts Lipscomb in a 6 p.m., Tuesday contest at Raymond C. Hand Park.

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Report courtesy Austin Peay Sports Information Department

Govs all-around effort leads to win at Tennessee

By Wade Neely | April 25, 2012 |

Tyler Rogers pitches in a Govs game earlier this season. Rogers recorded his eighth save of the season in an 8-4 Govs win at Tennessee Tuesday.

KNOXVILLE - Austin Peay State University put together one of its season’s best all-round efforts to post an 8-4 victory against Tennessee, Tuesday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Designated hitter Jon Clinard set the tone for the night with his two-run, first-inning home run. Austin Peay (25-15) extended its lead to three runs on left fielder Cody Hudson’s RBI single.

Tennessee (22-19) responded in its half of the first, third baseman Chris Pierce driving a two-run home run to left. The Volunteers tied the game in the second with second baseman Will Maddox’s run-scoring fielder’s choice.

From there, the Governors pitching staff and its defense combined to stymie the Volunteers offense over the next six innings. Reliever Kacy Kemmer began the scoreless stretch with 2.2 innings where he allowed just two hits. Chuck Edlin and Andy Cox then combined for scoreless innings in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

Austin Peay took advantage of a pair of Tennessee errors in the seventh and eighth innings to take the lead for good. Shortstop Reed Harper’s seventh-inning RBI single followed an error. The Govs scored another run in the eighth when Clinard’s infield hit was misplayed and Blanchard scored from second when UT lost track of the ball, giving APSU a 5-3 lead.

Austin Peay’s defense helped out with an errorless outing and turned four double plays — all in the latter innings. Right fielder Rolando Gautier ended the fifth when he caught a fly ball and threw home to catcher P.J. Torres who applied the tag for the out. Third baseman Greg Bachman ended the seventh when he turned a line drive into a double play.

Torres had a hand in a critical double play in the eighth that helped stop a potential Tennessee rally. After the first two batters reached, Torres caught a third strike and threw behind the runner at second, Harper applying the tag to wipe out the lead runner. Reliever Mike Hebert induced an inning ending double play to secure the APSU lead.

The Govs tacked on three runs in the ninth as Harper, Bachman and Hudson each singled to start the inning. Hudson’s single scored the first run and, after a Torres sacrifice hit, Childress doubled into the left field corner, scoring two more runs and giving APSU an 8-2 lead.

The Govs fourth double play came after Tennessee scored a run in the ninth and had two runners on base with one out in the ninth. Closer Tyler Rogers fourth pitch was grounded to Harper at shortstop who started a conventional double play to end the game.

Cox (2-1) was credited with the win after tossing 1.2 scoreless innings while surrendering one hit. Rogers secured his season’s eighth save.

Clinard finished the day 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a home run and two walks. Harper and Hudson each had three hits as the Govs rapped out 15 hits.

Dalton Saberhagen (4-1) suffered his season’s first loss after he allowed one unearned run in the seventh. The Tennessee offense was held six hits, no player recording more than one hit.

Austin Peay returns to action when it travels to Western Kentucky for a 6 p.m., Wednesday contest.

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Report courtesy Austin Peay Sports Information Department

Harper drives in four as Govs battle back for series-opening win at Eastern Kentucky

By Wade Neely | April 20, 2012 |

Members of the Govs celebrate after scoring a run earlier this season. The Govs defeated Eastern Kentucky 10-9 in their series opener Friday afternoon.

RICHMOND, Ky. – Shortstop Reed Harper capped a six-run sixth inning with a three-run single and Austin Peay State University’s baseball team held on for a 10-9 Ohio Valley Conference victory against Eastern Kentucky, Friday afternoon at Turkey Hughes Field.

Trailing 6-3 after five innings, Austin Peay (23-14, 10-2 OVC) saw two of its first three batters strike out in the sixth. First baseman Tyler Childress started the Govs two out rally with a single. Right fielder Rolando Gautier was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Center fielder Michael Blanchard and designated hitter Jon Clinard followed with RBI singles and second baseman Jordan Hankins tied the game with a walk.

Eastern Kentucky (16-18, 8-5 OVC) attempted to stem the tide by replacing starter Matt Harris with closer Matt Fyffe. However, Harper had other ideas driving the first pitch he saw into center field for a single. The ball then got away from the EKU center fielder and by the time the play ended the Govs had the bases cleared and led 9-6.

The Colonels fought back with single runs in the sixth and seventh innings, to move back within one run, 9-8. Govs starter Ryan Quick worked in and out of trouble in both frams, allowing one run to score but stranding a runner at second base in both innings.

Austin Peay got a much-needed insurance run in the eighth as center fielder Michael Blanchard drove the ball just over the wall in right field, giving APSU a 10-8 lead.

That run proved vital as Eastern Kentucky mounted one last valiant charge in the ninth. Designated hitter Alex Hughes led off the inning with a double, ending Quick’s night on the mound. Closer Tyler Rogers entered the game and surrendered a walk before notching a strike out.

The Colonels were unfazed by the first out, as center fielder Austin Grisham drove a run across when he beat out an infield single, cutting the Govs lead to one run, 10-9. Rogers added to his woes when he hit left fielder Jacob Daniel to load the bases with one out.

Austin Peay gathered its infield around Rogers following the hit batsmen and the momentary break seemed to do the trick. Rogers needed just one more pitch to end the game, getting third baseman Bryan Soloman to ground into an inning-ending double play that went third base to home plate to first.

Quick (4-1) tied his season’s longest outing, allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits while striking out four over eight-plus innings. Rogers recorded his season’s seventh save allowing a hit, a walk, a hit batsman and struck out one to record the final three outs.

Harper led the Govs offense with a 3-for-5, four RBI performance that included a second-inning home run, a fourth-inning double and the two-RBI single. Blanchard went 3-for-5 with 2 RBI. Austin Peay posted 17 hits in the victory.

Harris (4-4) suffered the loss after allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 13 hits over 5.2 innings. Soloman went 1-for-3 with a three-run, third inning home run.

Austin Peay and Eastern Kentucky continue their three-game OVC series with a 1 p.m. (CT), Saturday contest.

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Report courtesy Austin Peay Sports Information Department.

Austin Peay Governors Baseball split games this weekend at Eastern Illinois Panthers

By Hank Bonecutter | April 8, 2012 |

Charleston, IL – Austin Peay State University‘s baseball team concluded a long 24-hour period, winning a suspended contest 8-7 in 17 innings before dropping the day’s second game, 2-1, to Eastern Illinois in Saturday action at Coaches Stadium.

Left fielder Cody Hudson’s two-out RBI single gave Austin Peay a Game 1 victory at Eastern Illinois Panthers, Saturday. Austin Peay Baseball. (Courtesy: Brittney Sparn/APSU Sports Information)

Saturday’s first task was to conclude a suspended contest that was halted with the score tied 7-7 after 12 innings. Eastern Illinois (12-16, 4-4 OVC) turned to scheduled Game 3 starter Troy Barton upon the restart and he retired the first nine batters he faced.  He worked out of a jam in the 16th inning when APSU had two runners in scoring position with one out, striking out the next two batters to end the threat.

Austin Peay (20-11, 7-1 OVC) countered by returning reliever Tyler Rogers to the hill. After going three innings the night before, Rogers went 1.2 more innings before departing with two outs in the 14th.

Reliever Zane Leffew (2-1) picked up from there and closed out the 14th. He left a runner in scoring position in the 15th before issuing three walks in the 16th, loading the bases, but induced a line drive to end the threat.

Austin Peay finally broke through thanks to a two-out rally in the 17th. Center fielder Michael Blanchard led off the rally with a bunt single. Designated hitter Jon Clinard was hit by a pitch, moving Blanchard to second. Left fielder Cody Hudson then brought home the eventual game-winning run with a single to through the right side.

There was definitely no quit in our guys in that first game. I give our defense, pitching and hitters a ton of credit. We just kept battling, getting runners on and even when we wouldn’t get it done on offense our pitcher’s and defense picked us up. We finally stepped up and got runners on base and Cody (Hudson) delivered with a big hit.

Govs Reliever Andy Cox made the one run stand up thanks to some help from catcher P.J. Torres, who caught a pinch runner stealing for the inning’s first out. Cox then induced a pair of drive outs to seal the win and record his first career save.

Several records fell in the victory. Austin Peay head coach Gary McClure became the first OVC coach to record 300 conference wins with the victory. It also was the Govs seventh-consecutive OVC win to start the campaign, setting a program record. The 17-inning contest was the longest in Austin Peay history as was the five hour, 40 minute elapsed time.

Neither team’s offense was able to gain much ground in the day’s second game. Austin Peay starter Casey Delgado and Eastern Illinois starter Christian Slazinik were engaged in a pitcher’s duel.

Slazinik kept the Govs stymied through six innings, but got into a jam in the sixth. The Govs loaded the bases courtesy a pair of walks and a single then scored a run on right fielder Dylan Riner’s single into center field. The Govs nearly scored a second run, but shortstop Reed Harper was cut down at home on a throw from EIU center fielder Nick Priessman.

Delgado allowed a run in the third inning on Priessman’s RBI single, but it was the only run he allowed through eight innings. Delgado got the first two outs in the ninth but allowed a double to designated hitter Tyler Schweigert and then issued an intentional walk before leaving the game.

The Govs turned to reliever Mike Hebert to face EIU pinch hitter George Kalousek. The Govs were unable to stem the Panthers rush, as Hebert surrendered a walk off single.

Delgado (4-3) suffered the loss in Game 2 after allowing two runs on six hits over a career-long 8.2 innings pitched.

EIU reliever Luke Bushur (1-0) tossed a scoreless 2.2 innings of relief in the win, allowing one hit.

The loss ended the Govs seven-game OVC-opening win streak, but they remain one and a half games ahead of the league after three weeks. Austin Peay returns to action when it hosts Middle Tennessee in a 6:00pm, Tuesday contest at Raymond C. Hand Park.

Austin Peay Governors Baseball’s pitching stymies Alabama A&M

March 6, 2012 |

Huntsville, AL – Austin Peay State University’s baseball team notched its fourth consecutive victory with a 7-1 victory at Alabama A&M, Tuesday, at Bulldog Stadium.

Austin Peay’s (8-3) pitching staff set the tone in the victory as starter Lucas Anderson and relievers Kacy Kemmer and Zane Leffew combined to hold Alabama A&M without a hit through five innings. The Bulldogs were able to scratch a run out in the third thanks to a walk, an error and a sacrifice fly. However, it took Deon Hall’s leadoff single in the sixth to break up the no-hit bid.

The Govs offense scored nearly right out of the gate. Centerfielder Michael Blanchard led off the game with a triple to the left center wall and scored on left fielder Jon Clinard’s ground out. Austin Peay added a run in the second and two more in the fourth before catcher Matt Wollenzin broke the game open for good with a two-run home run in the fifth that gave APSU a 6-1 lead.

Anderson (1-0) picked up the win after allowing one unearned run and no hits over three innings while striking out four.

Wollenzin finished the day 1-for-2 with three walks and three RBI. Clinard added two RBI on a 1-for-3 outing. Third baseman Greg Bachman recorded his 200th career hit with an eighth-inning single, becoming the 11th Govs hitter to reach the milestone.

Champ Anderson (0-2) suffered the loss for Alabama A&M after allowing six runs on seven hits and six walks over six innings. Center fielder Jaun Lopez notched the Bulldogs lone RBI and Hall finished 2-for-2 at the plate.

Austin Peay returns to action when it hosts the Riverview Inn Challenge, Friday-Sunday, with Arkansas State, Dayton and Northern Illinois each visiting Raymond C. Hand Park for the round-robin tournament.

Box Score

Austin Peay at Alabama A&M
March 6th, 2012 at Huntsville, AL (Bulldog Field)

Score by Innings                    R  H  E
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Austin Peay......... 110 220 001 -  7 10  1
Alabama A&M......... 001 000 000 -  1  3  0
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