ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The freshman duo of Colby Deaver and Jett Grossart led Missouri Western (7-20, 5-12 MIAA) to a 4-0 victory over Northwest Missouri State (13-14, 7-7) at the Spring Sports Complex. This commanding win in the first 'Battle of Highway 71' marked Western's first shutout victory of the year.
 
The Griffons began the game with strong momentum but missed critical opportunities, including a bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the first inning and three instances of runners being tagged out at home plate.
 
Western finally broke through in the fourth inning with an RBI sacrifice bunt from Easton O'Keefe (2-3), followed by an RBI single from Grossart, bringing the score to 2-0. Sophomore Diego Rodriguez (2-4) added an RBI single in the sixth, and Grossart contributed another RBI single in the eighth to extend the lead to 4-0 heading into the final inning.
 
Redshirt freshman Jayson Shorb (1) secured his first career save with two innings of shutout ball to close the show on Wednesday night.
 
Deaver (1-4) earned his first career win in his third start and seventh appearance this season, allowing three hits and striking out three batters over 7.0 innings. Brock Steggall (3-2) was charged with the loss after giving up six hits and two runs in 4.0 innings.
 
Griffon Baseball will return to action at Griffon Park on Tuesday, April 1, at 5:00 p.m. against the Emporia State Hornets.