ST. JOSEPH – Dustin Agnew was nearly perfect and the Missouri Western bats weren’t far behind in a 12-2 regular season finale win over Drury (30-16) for the Griffons baseball team (29-18) Wednesday night.

Agnew was perfect for five and two-thirds before a single in the sixth ended his bid for a perfect game and his night. The junior was on a 60-pitch count that got extended to 68 with the possibility of an unforgettable night. The hit that ended Agnew’s outstanding start almost wasn’t as the sharply hit ball up the middle by Drury’s Justin Abernathy was gloved by a diving David Glaude who couldn’t quite make the throw in time.

The Griffon bats did their part as well, tying a season-high with 20 hits. Missouri Western hit seven doubles, including three from Andrew Curry which tied an MWSU single game record. Curry was 3-for-4 at the plate and just missed two home runs with doubles high off the wall. Nick Gawley went 4-for-4 with his third home run of the season and four RBIs. David Glaude continued his hot streak, going 3 for 5 with four RBIs.

Agnew improved to 6-0 on the season. Nate Hunter gave up just one hit in his inning and a third of work. Richard Peoples pitched the final inning, allowing a walk and a two-run home run before retiring the next three.

Missouri Western won 13 of its final 14 games in the regular season. The Griffons will be the No. 2 seed in the MIAA Baseball Championships which begin May 11 in Joplin, Missouri. Wednesday night’s victory was a non-conference win, but will count towards the Griffons’ in-region record. The Griffons were ranked fifth in the latest central region poll, with the top-eight teams qualifying for the regional tournament.

— MWSU Athletics —