Austin Peay State University’s baseball team secured a doubleheader sweep against Utah Tech with a 7-4 victory in the third game of their four-game series at Bruce Hurst Field in St. George, Utah.
The game began with Austin Peay’s starting pitcher Cody Airington inducing a double play to start the bottom of the third inning. However, after allowing a single and issuing a walk, he gave up a triple to Petey Soto Jr., which resulted in two runs for Utah Tech. An errant throw from the outfield allowed Soto Jr. to score as well, putting Utah Tech ahead 3-0.
In the top of the third inning, Paris Pridgen reached first base after being hit by a pitch. He stole second and advanced to third on an error during his steal attempt. Pridgen scored on an RBI groundout by Ray Velazquez, narrowing the gap to 3-1.
During the sixth inning, Zion Taylor and Ty Wisdom both singled before Andres Matias hit a three-run home run over left field, giving Austin Peay its first lead at 4-3.
Utah Tech responded in the bottom half when Soto Jr. doubled and later scored on Kyle McDaniel’s single, tying the game at four runs each.
In the seventh inning, Trevor Conly led off with a single before two consecutive strikeouts brought Taylor to bat; he walked before Velazquez delivered a double that cleared the bases and put Austin Peay ahead 6-4.
Austin Peay added another run in the ninth after TJ Costello was hit by a pitch and replaced by pinch runner Dillon Adkins. Pridgen followed with a bunt single; Taylor walked to load the bases before Velazquez drove in one more run with a deep fly ball.
DJ Merriweather earned his first win of the season for Austin Peay after pitching four innings while allowing just one run and striking out six batters. Gavin Alveti recorded his second save of the year by retiring Utah Tech’s final two hitters. Dakoda West took his first loss for Utah Tech this season after conceding six runs (five earned) across six hits and four walks while striking out eight batters.
The Governors will finish their series against Utah Tech with one more game scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Bruce Hurst Field.
