ST. JOSEPH, Mo., - The Griffons (16-9, 8-6) look to get back to their winning ways when they play host to Washburn (13-8, 9-5) in two weekend doubleheaders.
 
Western baseball saw its longest win streak since 2005 (10) end in a 10-inning game four loss to Lincoln on  March 25. The Griffons then dropped both games of a doubleheader against then No. 28 Emporia State. Griffon pitchers continued their hot streak against the Hornets, but the bats never came to life. Western took a 2-1 lead into the top of the ninth in game one against Emporia but an error allowed the Hornets to score what proved to be the tying and winning runs in the final inning.
 
The Griffons would like to get back to the run support they were able to give their pitchers in games one and two against the Blue Tigers. After a nine-run game in the opening tilt of the Lincoln series, Western exploded for 21 runs in game two. The game was called after seven innings due to a 10-run rule. The Griffons fell six runs short of tying the record for runs in a game (27, 3/14/03 vs. Northern State).
 
Western's staff era now sits at 3.49. Over the 10-game win streak, Griffon pitchers surrendered just 12 runs, including three shutouts. The staff era now sits at 3.49. The Griffon pitchers have not been too overpowering, but do sport slightly better than a 2:1 strikeout to walk ration (122:60). Ethan Ward now sits at 4-1 and leads Western starters with a 1.99 era. Brandon Simmons enters the Washburn series with a 5-2 record and a 2.18 era. Jake Jones has been solid out of the bullpen for the Griffons, sporting a team-low 1.84 era in 10 appearances.
 
The weekend series with the Ichabods represents the last four games of a 17 game home stand for the Griffons. Western hits the road for 14 straight before returning to the friendly confines of the Griffon Spring Sports Complex on April 27 to host Southwest Baptist.