LEXINGTON, Va. – VMI Baseball was handed its first loss of 2026 after a tight battle against Virginia on Tuesday afternoon at Disharoon Park.
The Keydets (4-1) were neck-and-neck with the Cavaliers, but it was a big first inning that kept the Hoos in front, 5-2. The VMI bullpen proved itself against the nation's highest-scoring offense, allowing just one earned run in seven innings of work.
Key Stats
- VMI totaled two runs off six hits with a pair of RBIs.
-
Bradley Garner jolted his second homer of the season.
-
Hunter Sipe sliced up the Cavs lineup, shoving four scoreless innings with three punchouts and recording an out in every at-bat.
-
Grayson Fitzwater tallied a hit and an RBI in the first inning.
- Garner and
Owen Prince scored runs.
- Prince and
Cole Raile each recorded a steal.
Scoring Summary
- The Keydets got out in front early, scoring one in the opening frame off Fitzwater's single.
- Virginia rallied in the bottom half with a three-run first inning.
- The Cavaliers got another to cross the plate in the second, and one more in the seventh, neither of which came off hits.
- Garner launched a rocket to left field, leaving no doubt and cutting the deficit to just three, and forcing a save situation out of the bullpen.
Next up for the Keydets
The Keydets return to the friendly confines for a three-game matchup against Maryland Eastern Shore. Friday's first pitch is set for 3 p.m., with Saturday's game time set for 2 p.m., and Sunday's action beginning at 1 p.m.
For more information, visit VMIKeydets.com or follow us on social media at VMI Athletics.
