CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.-After an impressive and exciting win earlier today, the Centenary baseball team struggled to find momentum in the nightcap, falling to host-Austin Peay, 7-0, on Saturday evening in non-conference play.
The Gents' (7-8) bats were silenced as they connected on only five hits led by freshman Trey McGee with a 2x4 effort. Seniors Cliff Shepard (1x4), Tell Ross (1x3) and Jeff Ericson (1x3) all had a base hit.
Despite having lead off batter McGee reach base in the top of the first and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Dalzell, Austin Peay was able to work out of the inning, getting the Gents to end on two strikeouts.
The Governors plated four runs in the bottom half of the opening frame on five hits, including a three-run home run to center field.
Ross led off the fourth with a base knock to left field, but the Governors escaped the early threat without surrendering a run. Down 4-0, Austin Peay added to its lead with another solo shot to left field to take a five-run advantage.
Centenary had a chance in the sixth when Tompkins and Ross opened with back-to-back walks, but a fly out and a double-play ended the chance to plate a run.
No damage was done by either team in the fifth or sixth frames, but Austin Peay would again, plate a run in the seventh on three singles.
Shepard would single in his last at-bat of the night to keep his current streak active at 15 games, but a double-play, three strikeouts and a groundout ended any chance of making a late run.
Junior righty Justin Kraft (8.0,10,7,7,0,10) took the loss on the mound after tossing 8.0 complete innings, allowing seven runs on 10 hits, while fanning a season-best 10 batters.
Harper (6.0,3,0,0,4,9) earned the win for the Governors.
Centenary will wrap up the weekend with a single game against Austin Peay on Sunday at 11:30 am.
