VMI Baseball lost to Western Carolina University on April 18 in the second game of their series at Lamore Field at Gray-Minor Stadium.
The defeat brings VMI’s record to 26-12 overall and 3-8 in the Southern Conference, while Western Carolina moves to 25-15 overall and 7-4 in conference play. The Catamounts won by a score of 18-5, tying the weekend series after building on momentum from their previous win.
VMI managed five runs on seven hits during the game. Cole Raile led the Keydets offensively, going three-for-four with two runs batted in and hitting a home run. Owen Prince achieved his 100th career stolen base during the contest.
Western Carolina took an early lead in the first inning, but VMI responded with two runs driven in by Raile and Seth Buchanan. The Catamounts scored three more times in the second inning, though Prince narrowed the gap with a double for VMI. In subsequent innings, Western Carolina continued to add runs through sacrifice flies and home runs, eventually leading by eight after four innings. Raile hit a solo home run for VMI in the sixth inning, followed by Cole Cook stealing home later that frame. However, multiple bases-loaded situations allowed Western Carolina to extend its lead further and enforce a mercy rule victory after seven innings.
The teams will meet again Sunday for the rubber match of their series at Lamore Field at Gray-Minor Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.
