Western Carolina's baseball team faced a challenging match against VMI, where despite an impressive late-game rally in the seventh inning, the Catamounts couldn't overcome a series of errors and free passes. The game concluded with VMI securing an 11-7 victory at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium, claiming the Southern Conference series rubber match. Despite out-hitting the Keydets 13-to-8, Western Carolina's performance was hampered by five errors, eight walks, and four hit batters.

In the early stages of the game, both teams managed to score in the first inning, but VMI quickly capitalized on Western Carolina's miscues. In the second inning, the Keydets took advantage of three walks and a run-scoring single, alongside the first of five Catamount errors, to establish a commanding 5-1 lead. The situation worsened for WCU as consecutive hit batters in the third inning further extended VMI's lead to 7-1.

The Catamounts showed resilience in the fourth inning, utilizing strategic bunts to plate a run. Jaylen Jones executed an infield bunt single, moving to third on Smith's double down the right-field line. Holton followed with a sacrifice bunt, driving Jones home to narrow the gap slightly. However, VMI responded swiftly, scoring three runs over the next two frames to maintain their dominance.

Trailing significantly at 10-2, Western Carolina staged a remarkable comeback in the seventh inning. After loading the bases following a lead-off strikeout, Trey Spees delivered a crucial two-run single, reducing the deficit to six runs. Wyatt Stanley's walk reloaded the bases, allowing Smith to drive in two more runs with a single through the left side. Holton completed the scoring with an RBI single, bringing the Catamounts within three points at 10-7.

VMI added an insurance run in the eighth inning due to an infield throwing error, extending their lead to 11-7. Western Carolina's momentum faltered in the final two innings, managing only one base runner as VMI's defense held firm. Cannon Pickell, starting pitcher for the Catamounts, absorbed the loss after conceding four runs (three earned) on one hit, walking four and hitting one batter.

The Catamounts now turn their focus to their upcoming game against UNC Asheville on Tuesday at 4 p.m., concluding an eight-game homestand. Fans can catch the nonconference midweek matchup broadcast on ESPN+ with live stats available online via CatamountSports.com. Western Carolina aims to build on this late-game surge as they prepare for their first road league series against Mercer.