VMI Baseball lost to Western Carolina University, 4-3, in a game that went into extra innings on April 19 at Lamore Field at Gray-Minor Stadium. The contest remained tied through nine innings before the Catamounts scored an RBI single in the tenth inning to secure the win.
The outcome marks another close matchup for the Keydets, who now hold a record of 26-13 overall and 3-9 in Southern Conference play. The Catamounts improved their record to 26-15 overall and 8-4 in conference games.
Both teams had strong pitching performances, with each side posting six shutout innings during the game. VMI recorded three runs from seven hits. Grayson Fitzwater hit his seventeenth home run of the season—a three-run shot that accounted for all of VMI’s RBIs. Gabe Jenkins and Bradley Garner each collected two hits, including a double apiece. Owen Prince extended his on-base streak to thirty-nine games after drawing two walks.
Buddy Baker made his second career start for VMI and tallied four strikeouts. Andrew Jones pitched five scoreless innings in relief, allowing only two hits without issuing any walks.
In scoring highlights, both teams hit home runs in the first inning, with Fitzwater giving VMI an early lead with his three-run homer. Western Carolina responded throughout the game by narrowing the deficit with a double in the third inning and tying it up on a passed ball in the fourth inning before finally taking advantage during extra innings.
Looking ahead, VMI will begin a four-game road trip starting Tuesday against Longwood University. The midweek matchup is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Farmville, Virginia.
