'Breds Fall in Opener to Govs

Friday, May 16

Clarksville, Tenn.

4:30 p.m.

Murray State

Austin Peay

5/16/2008 5:00:00 AM | Baseball

Murray State could not take advantage of four Austin Peay errors as the Thoroughbreds stranded 10 runners in dropping a 4-2 decision to the Governors in the first game of a three-game series Friday evening at Raymond C. Hand Park.

The Governors (26-26, 13-11 OVC) got on the board in the fourth inning as Matt Kole singled to right field and went to third on a single through the right side by Trey Lucas, both with one out. After a strikeout, APSU stole a run as the runner raced home from third as the player got caught in a rundown between first and second.

APSU added to its lead in the sixth as Cole delivered a solo home run down the left-field line.

The 'Breds (20-29, 11-13 OVC) tied the game in the seventh as Zach Noonan started the inning with a single up the middle. With one out, Blake Helm reached on a fielder's choice and went to second on the throwing error by the second baseman. Wes Cunningham made them pay as he delivered an RBI single up the middle. Tyler Owen followed with a single to right field that got passed the right fielder and allowed Cunningham to score from first.

The Govs quickly regained the lead as Zack Upton drew a leadoff walk and went to second on a sacrifice bunt. Joshua Kemph drove in the runner with a single through the right side. With two outs, Kemph stole second and scored on a single back through the box off the bat of Raphael Hill.

Ryne Mantooth (7-3) picked up the victory after giving up two runs, one earned, on three hits and six strikeouts over 2.2 innings. Daniel Tenholder (11) picked up the save as he struck out two in one inning of work. Mike Perconte (4-5) took the loss after giving up four runs on nine hits over eight innings.

Frey, Thieke and Noonan each collected two hits in the loss.

The two teams will play the second game of the doubleheader approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.