APSU Baseball Hits Four Homers in 8-4 Win to Clinch Series at Central Arkansas

Governors take series with strong offensive performance and solid pitching

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:26am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with overlapping shapes and planes of bright team colors representing the dynamic action on the field.APSU's offensive firepower and pitching prowess propel the Governors to a series-clinching victory over Central Arkansas.Knoxville Today

The Austin Peay State University (APSU) baseball team won the series against Central Arkansas with an 8-4 victory on Sunday. The Governors were led by strong offensive performances, including four home runs, and a solid outing from starting pitcher DJ Merriweather.

Why it matters

This series win against a conference opponent is an important step for the APSU baseball team as they continue their season in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Governors' ability to win on the road and showcase their power at the plate are positive signs for the team's competitiveness in the conference race.

The details

APSU jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run homer by Ray Velazquez. The Governors added another run in the second on a solo shot by Mason Pangborn. Central Arkansas responded with a two-run homer in the bottom of the second, but APSU pulled away with single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, followed by a two-run homer by Cole Johnson in the seventh. The Governors' pitching staff, led by starter DJ Merriweather, held off a late Central Arkansas rally to secure the series-clinching victory.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • APSU opened the scoring in the top of the first inning.

The players

DJ Merriweather

The junior starting pitcher for APSU, who earned the win after throwing 5.1 innings and striking out seven batters.

Ray Velazquez

The redshirt junior outfielder for APSU, who hit two home runs in the game to lead the Governors' offense.

Mason Pangborn

The sophomore infielder for APSU, who hit his first career home run in the second inning.

Cole Johnson

The redshirt sophomore outfielder for APSU, who hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to extend the Governors' lead.

Jack Runsick

The Central Arkansas player who hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the second inning to tie the game.

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What they’re saying

“This was a great team win for us today. Our offense was clicking, and DJ gave us a solid start on the mound. I'm proud of the way our guys battled to clinch this series.”

— Travis Janssen, APSU Head Baseball Coach

What’s next

The APSU baseball team will continue their road trip with a midweek matchup against Tennessee on Tuesday, March 31st at 5:00pm CT.

The takeaway

APSU's ability to win on the road against a conference opponent, while showcasing their power at the plate, demonstrates the team's competitiveness and potential to make a strong run in the Atlantic Sun Conference this season.