The Missouri Western baseball team has been picked to finish second in the MIAA Preseason Baseball Poll which was announced Wednesday afternoon. The Griffons were the runner up a year ago finishing 34-17 overall and 26-12 in league play.

The Central Missouri Mules received 14 of a possible 15 first place votes to earn the top spot with 196 points. Central Missouri hosted the NCAA South Central Regional last season, falling in the regional championship game to St. Mary’s. The Mules, who finished 48-9 last season are ranked #4 in this season’s ABCA preseason poll.

The Griffons, who finished last season 34-17, has earned the No. 2 spot in this season’s poll taking the remaining first place vote. The Griffons are picked #37 in the ABCA preseason poll released on Dec. 20, 2012. They are followed by No. 3 Emporia State, who finished 26-22 last season and are picked #40 in the ABCA preseason poll.

Central Oklahoma, in their first year as members of the MIAA, are picked to finish fourth with 152 points. They come in ahead of Fort Hays State, picked No. 5 with 136 points, on point ahead of No. 6 Missouri Southern.

Washburn is picked No. 7 in this season’s poll with 118 points, ten points ahead of No. 8 pick Lindenwood. Pittsburg State is picked to finish ninth in the league followed closely by No. 10 Northwest Missouri.

Just two points separate No. 11 Northeastern State (64) from No. 12 Nebraska-Kearney (62). The same stands for No. 13 Southwest Baptist (43) and No. 14 Truman (41) in this year’s poll. Lincoln holds the final spot with 19 points.

The Griffons open up the 2013 season on Sunday, February 10 and Monday, February 11 in a four game series with the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys in Russellville, Ark. Last season the Wonder Boys were 26-27 overall and 13-11 in the GAC.

2013 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (14)             196
2. Missouri Western (1)             175
3. Emporia State                         160
4. Central Oklahoma                  152
5. Fort Hays State                        136
6. Missouri Southern                  135
7. Washburn                                 118
8. Lindenwood                             108
9. Pittsburg State                          91
10. Northwest Missouri               75
11. Northeastern State                64
12. Nebraska-Kearney                62
13. Southwest Baptist                 43
14. Truman                                    41
15. Lincoln                                     19

— MWSU Sports Information —