Bowling Green, Ky. — Austin Peay recorded three multi-run innings — including a four-run seventh — to pick up a 9-3 win over the Western Kentucky University baseball team Wednesday night at Nick Denes Field.

The loss dropped the Hilltoppers to 11-10 on the year, while APSU improved to 11-9

The Governors took advantage of a leadoff walk and a hit batter in the top of first. A one-out triple by Matt Kole down the right field line produced the first two runs of the game, and Greg Bachman doubled to right off WKU starter Bryce Jenney to drive in Kole to make it an early 3-0 game. A leadoff walk also produced a Hilltopper run in the bottom of the inning as Scott Kaskie drew the free pass from Jeff Lykins and eventually scored on a Chad Cregar sacrifice fly for the first WKU run of the game.

Kole and Bachman teamed up for APSU again in the third to drive in two more runs. After a one-out walk to Tyler Farrar, Kole drove him in with a double to the gap in right center. A two-out Bachman single then brought home Kole, stretching the Governor lead to 5-1.

The Hilltoppers got solo home runs from Terrence Dayleg and Kaskie to lead off the fourth and fifth innings, respectively, cutting the lead to 5-3. However, Farrar opened things back up in the top of the seventh with a three-run homer off Adam Balcom to push the Austin Peay lead to 8-3. A two out double later in the inning by Ryan Gilboy brought in Will Hogue to stretch the lead to 9-3.

WKU recorded just two after the fifth inning, both coming in the eighth inning. The bullpen trio of Matt Kole, Ryne Mantooth and Jeff Brooks blanked WKU over the final five inning. Kole (1-0) picked up the win as he allowed just one hit in three inning in relief of Lykins, who allowed three runs on six hits, but went just four innings in the start. Jenney (0-1) suffered the loss in his first career start, allowing five runs in 2.2 innings.

Offensively, Gaynor collected three hits — the fourth straight game for him with at least three hits. Dayleg also collected a pair of hits. Chad Cunningham and Bachman each had a pair of hits to pace Austin Peay.

The Hilltoppers will continue their homestand this weekend, with a three-game series against Youngstown State. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. (CDT).