VMI Baseball was swept by Samford after a 5-3 defeat at Joe Lee Griffin Field in Birmingham, Ala., on April 12. The Keydets, now with a record of 24-11 overall and 2-7 in the Southern Conference, suffered their first sweep of the season against the Bulldogs, who improved to 17-17 overall and 5-4 in conference play.
The series is significant as it marks a turning point for VMI’s season, highlighting challenges faced during conference play. Despite tallying three runs on seven hits, the Keydets could not overcome Samford’s early lead.
Bradley Garner contributed two extra-base hits while Seth Buchanan scored twice. Ayden Schnarrs recorded two hits and an RBI. The team also stole four bases during the game. On the mound, Hunter Sipe pitched over four innings out of the bullpen allowing just one run and striking out two batters. Buddy Baker closed out with two scoreless innings while giving up only one hit.
Samford took an early advantage with three runs in the first inning. Gabe Jenkins put VMI on the board with an RBI single in the second inning before Samford answered back to make it a three-run game again. In later innings, Schnarrs drove in Buchanan to cut into Samford’s lead further; Garner then stole home to bring VMI within reach before another home run from Samford extended their margin.
Looking ahead, VMI will finish its road trip Tuesday at Norfolk State with first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m.
