LEXINGTON, Va. (Interstat) — Cole Cook launched a go-ahead, four-run homer in a seven-run seventh inning Saturday, powering the Virginia Military Institute Keydets to a 16-6 rout of the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Gray–Minor Stadium.

The offensive outburst broke open a tight game and secured a series victory for the surging Keydets, who improved to 13-2. Western Illinois fell to 3-10.

Cook, the Keydets’ left fielder, was the catalyst, finishing a perfect 3 for 3 with a double, the decisive home run, five RBIs and three runs scored. His blast off reliever Eric Rawlings turned an 8-6 lead into a commanding 12-6 advantage and capped a dominant personal series. Cook has now recorded five hits in the first two games of the weekend set.

The game’s most critical sequence began with VMI clinging to an 8-6 lead in the bottom of the seventh. The Keydets loaded the bases with one out via a hit batter and two walks. Owen Prince then drew a walk to force in a run, setting the stage for Cook. He promptly cleared the bases with his homer, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Western Illinois, despite outhitting VMI 11-8, was undone by three double plays and an inability to contain the Keydets’ lineup. The Leathernecks also issued 11 walks and hit four batters.

The game began in bizarre fashion, with Western Illinois taking an unconventional 6-0 lead before recording a hit in the top of the first inning. The Leathernecks capitalized on six walks and a hit batter from VMI starter Roberto Velasquez, who was pulled without recording an out. All six runs were charged to him.

VMI answered immediately and emphatically in the bottom half, scoring four runs to halve the deficit. Seth Buchanan provided the key hit, a three-run double.

The Keydets took their first lead with a three-run second inning, highlighted by aggressive baserunning. Cole Raile drove in a run on a fielder’s choice, and later, Cole Cook stole home as part of a double steal that saw Raile take third on a throwing error.

Western Illinois battled back to tie the game at 6-6 in the third on a two-run homer by Liam Bushey and again at 7-7 in the fourth on a two-run shot by Joshua McClintock. The Leathernecks’ final run came in the sixth on an RBI double by Justin Bogard.

VMI reclaimed the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI double by Cook, setting the stage for the game-breaking seventh.

Keydets reliever Eli Tyndall earned the win, providing 4 2/3 innings of solid relief, allowing four hits and one earned run. Western Illinois reliever Brett Buchanan was effective in a long outing, throwing four hitless innings with one earned run and three strikeouts after entering in the second, but he did not factor in the decision.

The teams conclude their three-game series Sunday.