CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Austin Peay State University's baseball team jumped out to a five-run lead but could not hold on, falling 12-7 to Charlotte, Friday afternoon at Hayes Stadium.

Austin Peay (8-6) scored the game's first five runs. The Govs scored in the first courtesy first baseman John Hogan's RBI single. A four-run third inning was helped along by walks to the first two batters followed by catcher Trey Lucas' RBI-single. Designated hitter Matt Kole added a RBI groundout and third baseman Chris Lewellyn chipped in a run-scoring double as the Govs broke out to a 5-0 lead.

Charlotte (7-3) broke through in the fourth and scored eight consecutive runs. The 49ers used the long ball in the fifth and seventh innings for big frames. Third baseman Kevin Gillespie's two-run blast capped a four-run fifth inning. Two innings later first baseman Ryan Rivers two-run shot ended a three-run seventh inning with Charlotte leading 8-5.

The Govs got back to within one run in the eighth as second baseman John Clinard and right fielder Jared DeLong each rapped one-run singles, cutting the deficit to 8-7.

The 49ers were unperturbed, scoring four runs in their half of the eighth. Catcher Zane Williams capped the burst with a two-run double. Austin Peay was unable to score in the ninth, setting the final margin.

Austin Peay starter Ricky Marshall (3-1) suffered the loss after allowing eight runs (four earned) on nine hits over 6.1 innings.

DeLong and shortstop Reed Harper each had two hits to lead the Govs 10-hit outing.

Charlotte's top six hitters had 13 of the team's 14 hits, Gillespie leading the effort with a 3-for-4 effort.

Charlotte reliever Tyler Pilkington (1-0) picked up the victory after allowing one hit over 4.1 innings and striking out five. Patrick Lawson picked up his season's first save with the ninth inning's final out.

Austin Peay and Charlotte conclude their two-game series with a noon (CT), Saturday contest

- AP -