Missouri Western at No. 3 Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Mo. 
Game 1: Friday, March 2 at 2 pm | Games 2 & 3: Saturday, March 3 at 1 pm and 4 pm | Game 4: Sunday, March 4 at 1 pm

Live Stats | MWSU Game Notes | Season Stats | Career Stats 

Picked to finish third in the MIAA by the conference coaches, Missouri Western (4-3, 0-0) opens the MIAA schedule against the two-time defending MIAA Champion, No. 3 Central Missouri Mules (4-0, 0-0). 

The Griffons took three of four from Nebraska-Kearney (1-6) in its home opener over the weekend. Western split with the Lopers on day one, nearly getting a no-hitter from Brandon Simmons (2-0) in game one. Simmons went six of seven without allowing a hit, but surrendered three hits and two runs in the seventh. Western swept the second day on a walk-off, pinch-hit double from Bubba Dotson in game one and a 12 hit performance in game two.

The Griffons opened the season by dropping two of three at No. 25 North Alabama (11-2). Western nearly spit the series, losing a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning of game four.

Perennial power, UCM is off to a 4-0 start after opening the season in Arkadelphia, Ark. The Mules won its first game over Ouachita Baptist 9-4 and followed that with three wins over Henderson State.

Western finished 26-25 in 2011, making it to the MIAA Tournament once again. The Griffons won the program's first ever conference tournament game last season and look to improve on last season's success with an experienced and talented roster.

Western returns three solid starters on the mound in Brandon Simmons, Nik Jurado and Matt Bergin. The Griffons will look for Bubba Dotson, Shawn Egge and Michael Schulze to be immediate impact kids in the field to go along with returners Spencer Shockley and Tony Loeffler.