The Emporia State baseball team has been selected 5th in the MIAA Coaches Preseason poll. Central Missouri is the top pick with 6 first place votes.
Central Oklahoma is 2nd followed by Pittsburg State, Missouri Western. After Emporia State its Missouri Southern, Lindenwood, Northwest Missouri State, Northeastern State, Washburn, Southwest Baptist and Fort Hays State.
Emporia State returns 2 position starters. One is 2nd baseman Brian Grove. He says the way last season ended at the regional tournament has been a motivator.
Tanner Arst who shared starting duties at 3rd base also returns.
Tanner Cairns is the top returning pitcher, he was 9-1 with a 4.40 era. One of the new players is catcher Cooper Minnick.
The Hornets open the season today when they play Lubbock Christian in Edmond. They will also play Southeastern Oklahoma State Saturday and Southwestern Oklahoma State Sunday.
