Atchison, KS. - The Missouri Western baseball team traveled just across the border to renew an old proximity rivalry with a historic twist.

 The Griffons defeated NAIA Benedictine College 7-1 Tuesday in the "Doug Minnis Charity Game, which honored the late hall of fame coach, who has deep ties to both schools.

The Griffons got on the board in with two runs in the top of first inning and added four more in the third to take early command.  

Jared Munk had a solid day at the plate for MWSU, going 2-3 with a single, a triple and three RBI.

Seven different Griffon pitchers combined for a three-hitter.

Despite the 26-mile distance from St. Joseph, Mo. to Atchison, Ks., Tuesday marked the first time in more than 20 years that the two schools have met in a regular-season matchup. The Doug Minnis Charity Game was first established in 2019 as a fall exhibition meeting. It returned this year and honors Minnis, the first-ever baseball coach in MWSU history (1969-1999). Coach Minnis' two sons played baseball at Benedictine, his son Stephen, is the current president of the college and his grandson , Jack, is a current member of the Ravens roster.

The Griffons (12-6 overall) step back to MIAA play this weekend when they host a three-game series with Washburn beginning Friday at 4pm inside the MWSU Spring Sports Complex