Austin Peay Baseball Falls to Tennessee in Midweek Clash

Volunteers' early lead proves too much for Governors to overcome

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:10pm

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The Austin Peay baseball team traveled to Knoxville on Tuesday night and fell to the Tennessee Volunteers by a score of 13-4. The Volunteers jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, highlighted by a two-run homer from Henry Ford in the first inning. Despite a solo home run from Austin Peay's Ray Velazquez, Tennessee exploded for six runs in the third inning to pull away. Though the Governors remained competitive for the rest of the game, the early deficit was too much to overcome.

Why it matters

This loss to an elite in-state program like Tennessee highlights the challenges Austin Peay faces as it looks to build on its recent success and compete in the ASUN conference. While the Governors showed fight, their inability to keep pace with the Volunteers' offensive firepower underscores the work ahead as they prepare for conference play.

The details

The Volunteers got on the board early, plating three runs in the first inning. Henry Ford's two-run homer put Tennessee up 2-0, and a single up the middle added another run. The Vols scored one more in the second to make it 4-0 before Austin Peay's Ray Velazquez hit a solo shot in the third to get the Governors on the board. However, Tennessee exploded for six runs in the bottom of the third, and despite some competitive innings the rest of the way, the Governors were unable to overcome the early deficit, falling 13-4.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Tennessee scored three runs in the first inning.
  • Austin Peay's Ray Velazquez hit a solo home run in the third inning.
  • Tennessee scored six runs in the bottom of the third inning.

The players

Henry Ford

Tennessee Volunteers baseball player who hit a two-run homer in the first inning.

Ray Velazquez

Austin Peay baseball player who hit a solo home run in the third inning.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Tennessee would be a tough opponent, but we can't afford to have an off inning like that third frame. We'll need to regroup and focus on conference play this weekend.”

— Austin Peay Head Coach

What’s next

The Austin Peay baseball team will travel to Eastern Kentucky for an ASUN conference series this weekend.

The takeaway

While the loss to Tennessee highlights the work ahead for Austin Peay as it looks to compete with elite programs, the Governors showed fight and competitiveness for much of the game. With conference play on the horizon, the team will look to build on the positives and learn from this experience against a formidable in-state rival.