VMI Baseball achieved a doubleheader sweep against Western Illinois on Friday at Lamore Field, coming from behind in both games to secure victories. The Keydets won the first game 8-7 after scoring the deciding run in the bottom of the eighth inning. In the second game, VMI overcame a five-run deficit and scored eight unanswered runs to win 10-7 in seven innings. With these wins, VMI improved its record to 12-2 while Western Illinois dropped to 4-9.
A major highlight was Grayson Fitzwater’s performance. Fitzwater hit four home runs across both games, becoming VMI’s new career home run leader with 47 home runs. He also leads the program in RBIs.
“Your NEW home run KING?? With his fourth homer of the day, Grayson Fitzwater now holds the career home run record??#VMIBaseCo | #RahVaMilpic.twitter.com/fP9YE96hL8,” stated VMI Baseball.
In game one, VMI collected eight runs on 11 hits. Bradley Garner went three-for-five with five RBIs and a home run. Fitzwater and Seth Buchanan also hit home runs, while Owen Prince doubled twice. Peyton Dhein started for VMI and struck out five over five innings, allowing one earned run. Buddy Baker pitched the final two innings and earned his second win.
Western Illinois took an early lead with four runs in the second inning. Fitzwater’s sacrifice fly put VMI on the board, followed by Garner’s RBI single in the third inning. Buchanan hit his first home run of the season in the fourth inning to bring VMI closer. Garner’s grand slam in the sixth gave VMI a 7-4 lead before Western Illinois tied it at seven in later innings. On a full count, Fitzwater hit his first home run of the day to deep centerfield to give VMI the lead.
In game two, VMI again recorded 11 hits and scored ten runs. Fitzwater homered three times and finished four-for-four with five RBIs and three runs scored. Garner and Ayden Schnarrs each had two hits; Schnarrs drove in four runs. Buchanan hit a walk-off home run for his second homer of the day. Andrew Jones pitched out of the bullpen with five strikeouts, while Tyler Bassett earned his first win after pitching two innings with just one hit allowed.
Western Illinois started strong by scoring first and adding multiple runs early for a 7-2 lead after three innings. Fitzwater’s solo shot tied it at 1-1 before WIU extended their advantage with three more runs in both the second and third innings, including a home run.
VMI responded with an eight-run surge beginning with a Fitzwater double that brought in one run during the third inning. In the fifth inning, Fitzwater homered again followed by Garner’s solo shot to narrow WIU’s lead to one run at 7-6. In the final inning, Fitzwater tied it up with his record-setting 47th career homer before Buchanan delivered a walk-off three-run homer.
The series continues Saturday at Lamore Field against Western Illinois, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m., broadcast live on ESPN+.
For further details about schedules or team updates, visit VMIKeydets.com or follow their social media channels.
