CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Central Arkansas (26-20, 13-9 ASUN) fell to Austin Peay State University (22-23, 12-10 ASUN) with a 5–2 loss on Friday night at Raymond C. Hand Park.
Central Arkansas jumped out to an early lead two solo home runs, but a four-run fifth inning by the Governors secured the victory.
Central Arkansas started strong as
Jagger Schattle homered to right field in the first inning, giving Central Arkansas a 1–0 lead. Austin Peay failed to score, leaving it 1–0 after the first inning.
In the second inning,
Jack Runsick extended Central Arkansas's advantage with a solo home run to left field. The Governors responded with an unearned run in the bottom half of the inning, closing the gap to 2–1 through two innings.
The fifth inning saw Austin Peay take control, scoring four runs. DJ Merriweather scored on a single by Ty Wisdom, followed by RBIs from Andres Matias and Cole Johnson, who doubled to bring in two more runs. This rally put the Governors ahead 5–2.
The game remained scoreless through the final four innings, as both teams held each other in check. The contest concluded with Austin Peay securing a 5–2 victory over Central Arkansas.
Jake Jones started on the mound for Central Arkansas, pitching 5 innings and allowing 4 earned runs on 9 hits, with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. He threw 87 pitches, 58 of which were strikes, and was tagged with the loss, bringing his record to 4–2.
Silas Cowgill took over in relief, delivering a strong performance with 3 innings of work, allowing just 1 hit and striking out 2 batters on 34 pitches, 23 of which were strikes.
The series will continue tomorrow at 4 p.m.
Denver Hamilton will take the mound for the Bears while Austin Peay's starter is still TBA.
