Indians can't make strong start last in OVC split at AP

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University's baseball team had a strong start but fizzled at the end after the Indians failed to sweep an Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader for the third straight weekend.

After rolling to a 9-3 victory over host Austin Peay in Saturday's opener, the Indians wasted a bases-loaded, no-out rally in the final inning of the second game. The Governors prevailed 4-2.

The Indians are 21-14 overall and 5-5 in the OVC. The Govs, who began the day in first place in the league but fell into second place by one-half game, are 17-22-1 and 6-3-1. The squads will close out their three-game series at 2 p.m. today.

"Give Austin Peay credit because we handled them in real good fashion the first game. They hung in there after a tough loss in the first game," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "Sunday's game is big for both teams."

Tim Alvarez and Justin Christian were Southeast's stars of the opening-game romp.

Alvarez, a left-hander who leads the OVC in wins, improved to 10-2 after he pitched all nine innings despite hitting six batters. Alvarez allowed just eight hits while striking out six and walking three.

Christian belted two home runs, including a three-run shot in the sixth inning that put Southeast ahead 7-1 and broke things open. Christian, who added a solo shot in the eighth, has eight homers this season.

Zach Borowiak had three of Southeast's 14 hits. Denver Stuckey, David Lawson and Aaron Fangman all matched Christian with two hits.

In the seven-inning second game, the Indians got a run in the first inning but the Govs scored the next four runs to lead 4-1 entering the seventh.

Stuckey, Brian Hopkins and Christian all singled to start the frame, loading the bases with nobody out. Borowiak was hit by a pitch, forcing in a run to make it 4-2 and leaving the bases full.

But Austin Peay closer Jeff Mault struck out Tristen McDonald looking, Seth Moulton popped out to shortstop and Lawson fouled out to right field as Mault recorded his OVC-leading sixth save of the season.

Jon Nourie (2-3) suffered the loss. In four innings, he allowed three hits and three runs (two earned), with four strikeouts and three walks. Ryan Forsyth allowed one run while retiring one batter. James Beever hurled 1 2/3 scoreless frames.

Devin Thomas (6-3) was the winner, allowing six hits and an unearned run in 5 2/3 innings.

Christian had three of the Indians' nine hits and finished the day 5-for-8. Hopkins and Gary Gilbert both added two hits.

Southeast outhit Austin Peay 23-14 in the doubleheader, with Stuckey, Hopkins, Lawson and Gilbert all getting three hits.