LEXINGTON, Va. - For the second day in a row, the VMI baseball team (5-5) came out slugging against Coppin State College to knock off the Eagles 15-5 Saturday afternoon at Patchin Field.

The Keydets, once again, used a balanced attack in their victory as they posted 15 hits and got strong pitching performances from starter J.J. Hollenbeck (Vienna, Va. / James Madison) (2-1) and reliever Tristen Covington (Virginia Beach, Va. / Salem).

Hollenbeck struck out seven and allowed two earned runs in five innings to earn the win and improve to 2-1.

"J.J. and Tristen did a nice job keeping their hitters off balance," VMI baseball head coach Marlin Ikenberry said.

Nine different VMI batters got hits in the game including designated hitter Allan Wimmer (Vienna, Va. / James Wood) who went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI's and two runs scored.

First baseman Jon Wade (Marietta, Ga. / Harrison) launched his first home run of the year, doubled and drove in a total of three runs on the day.

Shortstop Matt Smith (Chesapeake, Va. / Great Bridge) went 3-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and stole three bases.

The game ended in the bottom of the seventh inning after the Keydets scored four runs to give them a 10 run lead.

"It was a great effort by our hitters to keep the pressure on the entire game," Ikenberry said.

The Keydets' win over Coppin State (0-2) on Friday was also called during the seventh inning due to the 10-run rule.

VMI has now scored 58 runs in its last four games.

The Keydets go for the sweep on Sunday when they face the Eagles for game three of their three game series.

VMI will send RHP Jimmy Thoms (1-0, 6.08) to the mound while Coppin State will counter with LHP Eduardo Emmerich (0-0, 0.00 ERA). The first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.


-VMI-