VMI Uses Long Ball to Blow Past UNC Asheville
Asheville, N.C. – VMI Baseball (10-10) came out swinging on Saturday afternoon, delivering an impressive 17-4 victory over the University of North Carolina Asheville (10-8) at Greenwood Field. The Keydets put on a power-hitting display, smacking three home runs and racking up 16 hits in their dominating win over the Bulldogs.
Key Stats
VMI’s explosive offense set a new season-high with 17 runs, marking the largest margin of victory since April 2023. The Keydets relied heavily on the long ball, with 10 of their runs coming from home runs. Ty Swaim led the charge with a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, coming just one hit shy of breaking the single-game hit record held by head coach Sam Roberts. Pitcher Will Riley delivered a strong performance on the mound, tallying nine strikeouts over 6.2 innings to secure his third win of the season.
Breaking Down the Box Score
VMI wasted no time taking control of the game, scoring six runs in the first inning highlighted by Ryan Peterson’s grand slam. The Keydets continued to pile on the runs, with Grayson Fitzwater launching a three-run homer in the second inning and Cole Raile adding a pinch-hit three-run shot in the fourth. VMI’s offense remained relentless, with contributions from players like Brett Cook, Owen Prince, and Addison Clark.
On the pitching front, Riley and reliever Jack Thompson kept UNC Asheville’s hitters in check, allowing just six hits and two runs over the course of the game. VMI’s defense also shined, holding the Bulldogs to only four runs despite their offensive onslaught.
Key Takeaways
The Keydets’ victory over UNC Asheville not only showcased their offensive firepower but also highlighted their depth on the mound and in the field. With a well-rounded performance from both the offense and defense, VMI proved they are a force to be reckoned with in the competitive baseball landscape.
Looking Ahead
With this impressive win under their belts, VMI will look to carry the momentum into their upcoming matchups. As they continue to fine-tune their game and build on their strengths, the Keydets are poised to make waves in the remainder of the season.