KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Western baseball team has been picked fifth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll that was released Wednesday.

Missouri Western received one first place vote and 104 total points, just 10 points behind 2017 Division II World Series participant Lindenwood. 2016 MIAA Champion Emporia State was picked first with 11 of 12 first place votes.

Buzz Verduzco’s 18th season as Griffon baseball head coach brings eight position players and eight pitchers back from the 2017 team that advanced to the NCAA Division II regional tournament with a 32-22 overall record. Last year was the first time in program history the Griffons made back-to-back regional appearances. Missouri Western went 25-11 in the MIAA, finishing second in the conference and advancing to the MIAA Championship semifinals.

Starting pitcher Nate Hunter is back after being named third team All-MIAA last season. Dusty Stroup returns a season after being named MIAA Co-Freshman of the Year and honorable mention at shortstop. Other 2017 All-MIAA returners include honorable mention selections: Dustin Agnew (starting pitcher), Bailey Zimmer (first base), Levi Schreiner (outfield) and Andrew Curry (outfield).

Missouri Western was also picked seventh in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association preseason central region poll.

First pitch of the 2018 season comes on Feb. 3 at Harding in Searcy, Arkansas. The Griffons’ home opener is scheduled for Feb. 16 against St. Cloud State.

2018 MIAA BASEBALL PRESEASON POLL
1. Emporia State (11) – 143 points
2. Central Missouri (1) – 120 points
3. Central Oklahoma – 118 points
4. Lindenwood – 114 points
5. Missouri Western (1) – 104 points
6. Pittsburg State – 94 points
7. Missouri Southern – 81 points
8. Southwest Baptist – 57 points
T9. Northwest Missouri – 47 points
T9. Washburn – 47 points
11. Northeastern State – 42 points
12. Nebraska Kearney – 31 points
13. Fort Hays State – 16 points

— MWSU Athletics —