ST. GEORGE, Utah (Interstat) — Austin Peay defeated Utah Tech 7-4 in the first game of a doubleheader Friday at Burns Arena, overcoming a projected loss by Interstat’s simulator.

The Governors scored seven runs on seven hits. Ray Velazquez drove in four runs, including a two-run double in the seventh, and Andres Matias hit a three-run homer in the sixth.

Utah Tech’s Petey Soto Jr. had two hits and two RBIs, but the Trailblazers left nine men on base. Austin Peay reliever DJ Merriweather earned the win with four scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out six. Four Governors relievers combined for 8 1/3 innings of one-run ball.

Austin Peay improved to 7-7. Utah Tech fell to 12-3.