LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bellarmine baseball dropped both games of a doubleheader at Austin Peay on Friday, falling 16-6 in Game 1 before coming up short 5-2 in Game 2 at Raymond C. Hand Park. 

In Game 1, the Knights found early success at the plate, taking a 2-1 lead in the second inning behind a two-out, two-RBI single from Luca Hoerger. Bellarmine added two more runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by an RBI double from Sawyer Pace and a sacrifice fly from Luke Scales.  

Austin Peay responded with a series of big innings, scoring three runs in the second and third before pulling away late. The Governors added multi-run frames in the fifth, sixth, and seventh to secure the 16-6 win.  

Game 2 featured a tighter contest, as Bellarmine (16-22, 9-8 ASUN) squared off with Austin Peay (19-20, 9-8 ASUN) in the nightcap. The Governors broke through in the third inning, scoring four runs behind a pair of home runs to take control early.  

The Knights chipped away, getting on the board in the fifth inning when Sawyer Pace drove in Charlie Rife with an RBI single. Jake Bell followed with a solo home run in the sixth to trim the deficit to 4-2.  

Bellarmine had a prime opportunity in the seventh inning, loading the bases with two outs after singles from Logan Murphy and Sawyer Pace and an intentional walk to AJ Swader. However, Austin Peay was able to escape the jam with a fielder's choice at the plate to maintain its lead.  

Austin Peay added an insurance run in the eighth inning, and Bellarmine was unable to generate a late rally, as the Governors closed out the 5-2 victory.  

Bellarmine and Austin Peay will wrap up the series Sunday at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT). 

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