The VMI Keydets baseball team lost to the Samford Bulldogs, 10-4, in the opening game of their series on April 10 at Joe Lee Griffin Field in Birmingham, Alabama.
The loss leaves the Keydets with a record of 24 wins and nine losses overall, and two wins and five losses in Southern Conference play. The Bulldogs improved to a record of 15-17 overall and three wins and four losses in conference games.
VMI managed four runs on five hits during the game. Grayson Fitzwater hit his thirteenth home run of the season, while both Fitzwater and Cole Raile collected two hits each. Fitzwater also led the team with two runs scored. Cole Cook and Benjamin Cardone drew two walks apiece, while Justin Spiegel recorded a team-high four strikeouts on the mound.
Samford took an early lead with three runs in the second inning. Fitzwater responded for VMI with a home run in the third inning to reduce the deficit. In the fourth inning, VMI pulled within one run after aggressive baserunning forced an error by Samford; however, Samford answered back with three more runs that same inning to widen their lead again. The Bulldogs continued to build their advantage throughout later innings despite VMI’s efforts.
The Keydets will look for a comeback as they face Samford again on Saturday at 3 p.m.
