ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - After playing nine of their last 10 games at home, Griffon baseball (12-24, 10-15 MIAA) will head on the road for a midweek game against Emporia State, followed by a three-game series in Oklahoma against Rogers State.
Action will kick off with a rubber match against the Hornets in Emporia, Kansas - MWSU's second trip to the Hornets' nest this season. First pitch at the Trusler Sports Complex on Tuesday is set for 5:00 p.m.
Western will wrap up the week in Claremore, Oklahoma, at the RCB Bank Sports Complex, where they will face the Hillcats in a three-game series. The opening game is scheduled for Thursday at 12:30 p.m., followed by game two on Friday at 2:00 p.m. and the series finale on Saturday at noon.
WATCH - MIAA NETWORK
All MIAA football, women's soccer, volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball, baseball and softball regular season conference games will be streamed live on the MIAA Network. The MIAA Network showcased over 1,500 live broadcasts for its 14 member schools last season. For more information, visit
https://www.themiaanetwork.com/.
2025 MIAA BASEBALL STANDINGS (as of 4/14/25)
| School |
Conf |
CPct. |
Overall |
Pct. |
Streak |
| Fort Hays State |
20-5 |
.800 |
26-10 |
.722 |
W1 |
| Central Missouri |
20-6 |
.769 |
29-9 |
.763 |
W3 |
| Pittsburg State |
19-7 |
.731 |
30-7 |
.811 |
W12 |
| Central Oklahoma |
19-9 |
.679 |
29-11 |
.725 |
L3 |
| Missouri Southern |
14-12 |
.538 |
21-17 |
.553 |
L3 |
| Washburn |
15-13 |
.536 |
22-19 |
.537 |
W2 |
| Northwest Missouri |
13-12 |
.520 |
19-19 |
.500 |
L1 |
| Rogers State |
10-15 |
.400 |
20-17 |
.541 |
L6 |
| Emporia State |
10-15 |
.400 |
17-19 |
.472 |
L2 |
| Missouri Western |
10-15 |
.400 |
12-24 |
.333 |
W4 |
| Northeastern State |
9-16 |
.360 |
12-27 |
.308 |
L1 |
| Arkansas-Fort Smith |
6-22 |
.214 |
11-27 |
.289 |
L3 |
| Newman |
5-22 |
.185 |
9-29 |
.237 |
W1 |
TOP GRIFFON PERFORMERS
Frank Gall has been instrumental to the Griffons' offense this season. Hailing from St. Joseph, he leads the team with 43 hits, which include seven triples, five home runs and five doubles. His seven triples are the most in the MIAA. He also leads the Griffons and is second in the MIAA with 21 stolen bases.
Anthony Taggart has also been a key contributor to the Griffon offense this season, showcasing an impressive slash line of .315/.415/.514. He leads the team with 25 hits and 27 RBIs, while also scoring 21 runs. The right fielder has recorded 13 extra-base hits, including seven doubles, three home runs and two triples.
Kaden Doan is at the forefront of the team with an impressive .361 batting average and a .465 on-base percentage. Meanwhile,
Quinton Robertson has recorded 10 doubles, and
Blake Venneman leads the team with 21 walks.
Freshman
Colby Deaver (2-5) is hitting his stride on the mound, steadily improving his ERA to 5.32 and posting a 1.29 WHIP. The Blue Springs native leads the team with 47.1 innings pitched, accumulating 31 strikeouts while allowing only 11 walks.
Following impressive outings against Arkansas-Fort Smith,
Logan Winkelman (1-2) and
Lynden Bruegman (2-4) lead the pitching staff with 46 strikeouts. The duo both collected wins against the Lions to help the Griffon secure their first series sweep of the season.
Jayson Shorb (2-3) (2) has been a reliable arm in relief, leading the bullpen with 18 strikeouts in 21.0 innings.
Carson Rosen,
Lou Levy,
Josh Nolte and
Jacob Ross have been regulars down the stretch for MoWest.
ABOUT EMPORIA STATE
Emporia finished the 2024 campaign with a 21-29 (11-22 MIAA) record and was picked to finish seventh with 67 points in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll.
The Hornets (17-19, 10-15 MIAA) have been struggling lately, losing seven of their last eight games. This includes a close 10-inning contest at the Spring Sports Complex on April 1, where
Carson Shear's RBI single led the Griffs to a 5-4 victory.
Last weekend, they lost a three-game home series against Washburn. ESU started strong by winning the opening game 14-8, but they struggled defensively in the next two games, suffering losses of 14-13 and 12-6.
Junior Noah Steele is a player to watch for the Hornets. The Prairie Village, Kansas, native has a slash of .362/.428/.677 with 47 hits, 41 RBIs, 28 runs and 14 walks. His 11 home runs are tied for the sixth-most in the MIAA.
A pitcher to watch for Emporia is righty Cade Barton(4-2). The senior heads into the week with an ERA of 3.26 and a WHIP of .91. He has collected 27 strikeouts and has walked only two batters in 49.2 innings of work.
ABOUT ROGERS STATE
The Hillcats finished the 2024 campaign with a 24-25 (14-19 MIAA) record and were selected to finish eighth with 65 points in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' poll. RSU claimed the series last season 2-1 at Griffon Park.
Rogers State (21-16, 11-14 MIAA) has experienced a rollercoaster season. Currently, they are on a five-game losing streak after losing three consecutive games to Pitt State last weekend in Claremore. Despite this recent downturn, they have secured series victories over Upper Iowa, Southwest Baptist, Colorado Christian, Northeastern State, Newman (Kan.), East Central (Okla.) and Northwest Missouri State.
RSU will host Central Oklahoma ahead of the opening game on Thursday. The Hillcats currently lead the series against the Bronchos, 2-0.
Catcher Weston Peninger is a standout player for RSU. The senior boasts an impressive slash line of .331/.417/.569, with 43 hits, including 10 doubles and seven home runs. He has also recorded 28 RBIs, 24 runs and 16 walks.
Another key player to note is left-handed pitcher Colton Anderson (6-4). The senior comes into the week with a strong ERA of 2.63 and a WHIP of .92. He has achieved 57 strikeouts and has only walked 12 batters over 61.2 innings pitched.
