FINAL STATS

JACKSON, Tenn. – Jack Snodgrass struck out a career-high 11 to lead Austin Peay to a 4-1 win over Jacksonville State as the Govs rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth inning to advance to the OVC Championship on Saturday.

Jacksonville State (35-22) had its seven-game winning streak snapped and will now play Southeast Missouri State at 12 noon, with the winner advancing to the OVC Championship to play the Governors at 3:30 p.m.

Ryne Harper (6-2) allowed just one hit in the final 1 1/3 innings to earn the win in relief for APSU, while Tanner Freshour (3-2) got stuck with the loss after allowing two unearned runs for the Gamecocks.

Jax State took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after Sam Eberle led off with a double down the left field line and moved to third on a wild pitch. Blake Seguin then lined out to second, but an Austin Peay throwing error allowed Eberle to score from third and give the Gamecocks the lead.

The Governors answered in the top of the seventh inning after Cody Hudson hit a two-out solo home run over the left field wall to tie the game at 1-1.

Austin Peay began ninth inning rally after Matt Clinard reached on a single to shallow right field and Jordan Hankins followed with a sacrifice bunt, but a Gamecock fielding error allowed Hankins to reach and put runners on first and second.

Clinard and Hankins both moved up on a double steal, before Blake Frazier lined out to second base. Hudson followed with a grounder to second, but the Gamecocks had a throwing error at the plate that allowed Clinard to score and give APSU a 2-1 lead.

Michael Blanchard then hit a grounder just out of the reach of Gamecock shortstop Andrew Bishop that allowed two more runs to score for the final margin.

Jake Sharrock led the Gamecocks with three hits, while Coty Blanchard and Seguin each had two hits. Hudson was the only APSU player with two hits.