LEXINGTON, Va. (Interstat) — The Virginia Military Institute Keydets, one of the nation’s hottest early-season teams, look to continue their dominant run when they host the struggling Western Illinois Leathernecks in the finale of a three-game series Saturday at Gray–Minor Stadium.

First pitch is set for under cloudy skies with temperatures near 66 degrees.

The Keydets (12-2) have won 12 of their last 13 games and seized the series with a doubleheader sweep Friday, winning 8-7 and 10-7. VMI’s powerful offense, averaging over eight runs per game during its surge, will again be a focal point.

A player to watch for VMI is Bradley Garner, who delivered a monumental performance in Friday’s opener, going 3 for 5 with a home run and five RBIs in the 8-7 victory. The outfielder has driven in 14 runs over his last seven games.

Western Illinois (3-9) has lost seven of its last eight and seeks to salvage a game in the series. The Leathernecks showed offensive life Friday, scoring 14 total runs, but were undone by pitching struggles.

They will look to leadoff hitter Wandel Campana to set the tone. The outfielder is riding a six-game hitting streak, including a 4-for-5 performance in the first game Friday. He is 6 for 9 with three runs scored in the series so far.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-3 victory for Virginia Military Institute.

Following Saturday’s contest, the teams conclude the series Sunday at Gray–Minor Stadium. Western Illinois travels to face Illinois on Tuesday, while VMI visits Norfolk State next Wednesday.