LEXINGTON, Va. (Interstat) — Virginia Military Institute erupted for nine runs in the first inning and cruised to a 14-4 victory over Maryland-Eastern Shore in the opener of a doubleheader Saturday at Gray–Minor Stadium.

The Keydets sent 13 men to the plate in the first, highlighted by a two-run double from Thomas Conrad and a two-run single from Bradley Garner. Garner finished 3 for 5 with four RBIs. Seth Buchanan added two RBIs.

The Hawks scored all four of their runs in the second inning, with Christian Azcona and Jonathan Gonzalez Perez driving in runs. Gonzalez Perez hit a solo home run in the fifth.

VMI starter Buddy Baker earned the win, allowing one earned run over 3 2/3 innings with six strikeouts. The Keydets improved to 7-1 overall, while the Hawks fell to 0-6.