A dominant 10–0 win in a seven-inning mercy-rule opener.
The 10–0 final came in just seven innings, invoking the mercy rule and sending VMI to a 1–0 start in 2026. While Delaware State is not exactly the ’27 Yankees, an Opening Day win—especially one this decisive—is still an Opening Day win.
The Hornets finished 7–34 overall in 2025 and 6–24 in the Northeast Conference (NEC), so expectations were understandably tempered. Still, the Keydets were sharp, focused, and aggressive from the very first pitch.
Game two of the scheduled doubleheader was set for 4 p.m.
Peyton Dhein’s Redemption Performance
If there was a storyline entering the afternoon, it centered on sophomore left-hander Peyton Dhein. The 5’10” 170 pound Dhein had a difficult 2025 campaign, appearing in only seven games and making three starts. His numbers were not good – 15.58 ER, 19 hits allowed, and 10 walks in only 8.2 innings pitched.
Friday afternoon looked nothing like that version of Dhein.
From the outset, he showcased sharp command and confidence. His breaking pitches had late bite, and he mixed speeds effectively. He also unveiled a devastating pickoff move, nailing a Delaware State runner who had reached first in the second inning.
Through four innings, Dhein cruised on just 47 pitches, 31 of which were strikes. He needed 67 pitches to get through five innings and finished with an efficient and impressive final line:
RelatedPosts
- 6 innings pitched
- 0 runs allowed
- 4 hits
- 5 strikeouts
- 1 walk
- 89 pitches
After the fourth inning, he was handed a 9–0 lead, but credit is due: this was a polished, controlled outing that suggested meaningful offseason growth. Whether it translates against stronger SoCon lineups remains to be seen, but the early returns were outstanding.
Offensive Explosion: Rail Starts the Power Parade
The breakthrough moment offensively came in the fourth inning when Cole Rail launched the first home run of the VMI season, a three-run shot that effectively broke the game open.
Right fielder Bradley Garner and left fielder Cole Cook each recorded two hits and scored two runs, providing steady production throughout the lineup.
Preseason SoCon Player of the Year Grayson Fitzwater went 1-for-4, scoring a run and driving in another. It was not a headline-grabbing day for Fitzwater, but he contributed in key spots and looked composed at the plate.
The offensive output was aided significantly by Delaware State’s defensive struggles. The Hornets committed five errors in the game—four by the shortstop—Yeesh! Three errors occurred within the first 2 1/3 innings, and four had piled up by the end of the third.
Carson Taylor Closes the Door
Freshman Carson Taylor handled the seventh inning and looked poised. He needed just 14 pitches to close out the game, showing clean mechanics and confidence in his delivery.
The Point After
The first SoCon win of 2026 belongs to VMI, and it was earned convincingly. Peyton Dhein delivered a statement outing after a difficult 2025 season. The lineup produced early and often, highlighted by Cole Rail’s three-run homer. The defense remained steady, and Carson Taylor provided a clean finish.
Yes, the competition will stiffen. Yes, stronger lineups will test Dhein and the bullpen. But momentum has to start somewhere, and Friday at 1 p.m., VMI seized it.
