The MIAA Tournament Preview

Robert Frey
May 5
11 min read

The 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship is set for May 7-10 at Warren Turner Field in Joplin, Missouri, hosted by Missouri Southern State University. This year marks the conference's first endeavor into a single-elimination format for the baseball postseason tournament, featuring the top ten teams from the MIAA regular season. Central Missouri leads the field as the No. 1 seed after capturing their sixth consecutive MIAA regular-season title. Adding an interesting dynamic, the host institution, Missouri Southern, enters this year's event as the defending 2024 MIAA Tournament Champion. Fans can find the complete bracket, schedule, and more details at the official championship page: https://themiaa.com/tournaments/?id=105. All games of the tournament will be broadcast on a pay-per-view basis on The MIAA Network at themiaanetwork.com.

Here’s the breakdown of all ten teams from top to bottom seed.

#1 Seed Central Missouri Mules

JD McReynolds (Photo Credit: Andrew Mather Photography)

Central Missouri enters the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship as the undisputed top seed after another dominant regular season. The Mules captured their sixth consecutive and 31st overall MIAA regular-season title with a 28-7 conference record and an impressive 38-10 overall mark, currently ranked 3rd in our Top 25. As the #1 seed, they receive a bye into the quarterfinals and will await the lowest advancing seed from the opening round games (featuring seeds #7-#10). The Mules will play at 1 PM Central Time on Thursday, May 8th.

Team Stats

The Mules boast the most dominant team in the MIAA across the board. Offensively, they lead the conference in batting average (.329), OPS (.973), walks (227), and stolen bases (125). Their pitching staff is equally impressive, pacing the MIAA with the lowest ERA (4.34), the most strikeouts (428), the lowest batting average against (.243), and the best strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.39).

Players to Watch

Hitting:

Chase Heath: Posts an exceptional .412 batting average and a 1.171 OPS.
Jacob Steele: Hits for a high average (.391) and provides significant power with a 1.125 OPS and 11 home runs.
Vance Tobol: A major power source hitting .374 with a 1.222 OPS and 19 home runs who also has 21 stolen bases with a team leading 64 RBIs.
Dayvin Johnson: Contributes a powerful bat with a 1.102 OPS and 12 home runs.
Isaiah Keller: Adds to the power display with 11 home runs.
Cole Kreisel: Gets on base consistently and shows pop with a 1.036 OPS.

Pitching:

JD McReynolds: Has been outstanding with a 6-0 record, posting a minuscule 1.46 ERA, an elite strikeout rate (40.7 K%), and an incredible 5.36 K/BB ratio over 37 innings.
Chris Massey: Misses bats at a high rate (34.1 K%) and maintains a strong 2.81 K/BB ratio across 29.2 innings.
Jake Wilson: Strikes out a high percentage of batters (30.7 K%) while keeping a solid 2.57 K/BB ratio over 38.1 innings.
Jack Kreisman: Exhibits good control with a 3.06 K/BB ratio over 60.1 innings.
Evan O’Toole: 5-0 with a 3.86 ERA over 51.1 innings.

Central Missouri enters the MIAA tournament as the clear favorite, having dominated the league during the regular season and ranking first in nearly every major statistical category. With an explosive offense led by Chase Heath, Jacob Steele, and Vance Tobol, and a lights-out pitching staff anchored by JD McReynolds, the Mules are exceptionally well-rounded. They are poised for a deep run as they look to add the MIAA tournament title to their regular-season crown.

#2 Seed Pittsburg State Gorillas

Kolby Dougan (Photo Credit: Derek Livingston)

Pittsburg State secured the No. 2 seed for the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship after a strong regular season campaign, finishing with a 27-9 record in conference play and 39-9 overall, earning the No.17 ranking in our latest Top 25 rankings. The Gorillas receive a bye into the quarterfinals. They will await the second-lowest advancing seed emerging from the tournament's opening round games and will play Thursday, May 8th at 4 PM Central Time.

Team Stats

The Gorillas excel in nearly every phase of the game, ranking among the MIAA's elite. Offensively, they are second in batting average (.323), second in OPS (.978), and second in walks (251). Their pitching staff is equally formidable, ranking second in ERA (4.41), second in strikeouts (393), second in batting average against (.257), and second in K/BB ratio (3.36). Defensively, Pittsburg State leads the entire conference with a .981 fielding percentage.

Players to Watch

Hitting:

Dagen Brewer: Powers the offense with a .371 batting average, a massive 1.301 OPS, 20 home runs, and a team-leading 68 RBIs.
Alex Rodgers: A dynamic threat hitting .386 with a 1.116 OPS and leading the team with 29 stolen bases.
Drew Bugner: Hits for a high average at .393 with a strong 1.049 OPS.
Ricky Sanchez: Another consistent hitter with a .374 batting average and a 1.041 OPS.

Pitching:

Kolby Dougan: An ace performer with a stellar 2.03 ERA, an exceptional strikeout rate (44.0 K%), and an outstanding 6.38 K/BB ratio over 62 innings.
Brady Pacha: Posts a low 2.84 ERA across 31.2 innings.
Maddox Thornton: Demonstrates excellent control with a 6.09 K/BB ratio over 80.1 innings pitched.
Cadyn Castellanos: Maintains a superb 5.29 K/BB ratio in 48.2 innings.
Tanner Leslie: Shows good command with a 3.73 K/BB ratio over 65.2 innings.

As the second seed, Pittsburg State enters the MIAA tournament as a major contender. They possess a high-powered offense featuring multiple players with impressive numbers like Dagen Brewer and Alex Rodgers, combined with a top-tier pitching staff led by ace Kolby Dougan and supported by arms like Maddox Thornton and Brady Pacha. Backed by the best defense in the league, the Gorillas have all the components needed to make a strong push for the MIAA tournament championship.

#3 Seed Fort Hays State Tigers

Fort Hays State earned the No. 3 seed in the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship following a strong regular season where they posted a 26-10 record in conference play and went 32-15 overall. The Tigers are scheduled to play their quarterfinal game against the sixth seed, Northwest Missouri, on Thursday evening at 7 PM Central Time.

Team Stats

The Tigers feature a solid offense, ranking fifth in the MIAA with a .297 team batting average. Their pitching staff ranks fourth in the conference with 373 strikeouts. Defensively, Fort Hays State excels at controlling the running game, ranking third in the MIAA with a .317 caught stealing percentage.

Players to Watch

Hitting:

Trey DeGarmo: Leads the offense with a 1.041 OPS, 13 home runs, a 337 average, and a team-high 54 RBIs.
Tony Moore: Provides a strong bat with a 1.022 OPS with a team-high .349 average.
Derek Woolwine: Contributes significant power with a 1.013 OPS and 11 home runs.
Elliott Herrmann: Adds power to the lineup with 11 home runs.

Pitching:

Ty Riley: Anchors the rotation with a low 2.91 ERA and a solid 2.92 K/BB ratio over 89.2 innings.
Brandon Chavez: Demonstrates excellent control with a 3.53 K/BB ratio across 51.1 innings.
Kaleb Carpenter: Maintains a good 2.65 K/BB ratio over 47.1 innings pitched.

As the third seed, Fort Hays State brings a competitive team to the MIAA tournament. Their offense features several power threats, including Trey DeGarmo, Derek Woolwine, and Elliott Herrmann. The pitching staff is led by the reliable Ty Riley, and their ability to control the running game defensively is a notable strength. They face Northwest Missouri in the quarterfinals as they look to make a deep run in Joplin.

#4 Seed Central Oklahoma Bronchos

Caden Robertson (Photo Credit: UCO Athletics)

Central Oklahoma enters the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship as the No. 4 seed after finishing the regular season with a 23-13 conference record and 33-15 overall. Bronchos will open their tournament run against the fifth seed, Rogers State, in the first quarterfinal game on Thursday morning at 10 AM Central Time.

Team Stats

The Bronchos are well-rounded, ranking among the MIAA leaders in several categories. They show good plate discipline, ranking third in walks (236). Their pitching staff ranks third in ERA (5.02), third in strikeouts (399), and third in batting average against (.259). Defensively, UCO is exceptionally strong, ranking second in fielding percentage (.979) and leading the conference in caught stealing percentage (.367).

Players to Watch

Hitting:

Caden Robertson: A major offensive force, boasting a .376 batting average, a huge 1.304 OPS, 22 home runs, and a team-leading 73 RBIs.
Orlando Gonzalez: Provides a potent bat, hitting .365 with a 1.097 OPS and 11 home runs.

Pitching:

Dax Sharp: Has been outstanding on the mound with a remarkable 1.09 ERA over 49.2 innings pitched.
Brett Pense: Demonstrates good control with a 3.50 K/BB ratio across 64 innings.
Brady Gilmore: Maintains a solid 2.71 K/BB ratio over 31.1 innings.

Central Oklahoma, the fourth seed, brings a strong pitching and defensive team to the MIAA tournament. They lead the league in throwing out potential base stealers and rank highly in ERA, strikeouts, BAA, and fielding percentage. Offensively, they are powered by standout Caden Robertson and Orlando Gonzalez. Ace Dax Sharp leads the pitching staff. They face Rogers State in the opening quarterfinal, looking to leverage their strengths for a successful tournament run.

#5 Seed Rogers State Hillcats

Colton Anderson (Photo Credit: Bill Powell)

Rogers State enters the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship as the No. 5 seed. They finished the regular season with a 19-17 conference record and 29-19 overall. The Hillcats secured the fifth seed over Northwest Missouri due to winning their regular-season series 2-1. Rogers State will face the fourth-seeded Central Oklahoma Bronchos in the tournament's opening quarterfinal game on Thursday morning at 10 AM Central Time.

Team Stats

The Hillcats show excellent discipline at the plate, tying for the MIAA lead with 227 walks drawn. They are also solid defensively, ranking third in the conference with a .975 fielding percentage.

Players to Watch

Hitting:

Andrew Ramirez: Paces the offense with a 1.031 OPS, 13 home runs, and a team-leading 59 RBIs.
Weston Peninger: Provides power with 10 home runs.

Pitching:

Colton Anderson: Leads the pitching staff with a strong 2.90 ERA over 77.2 innings pitched.
Ky Decker: Shows good control with a 2.61 K/BB ratio across 71 innings.

Rogers State, the fifth seed, brings a patient offense and a strong defense into the MIAA tournament. While they don't have many players meeting the specific statistical thresholds, Andrew Ramirez and Weston Peninger offer power threats. Colton Anderson provides a reliable arm at the front of the rotation. Their excellent team defense and ability to draw walks could be key factors in their opening quarterfinal matchup against Central Oklahoma.

#6 Seed Northwest Missouri State Bearcats

Ashton Neuman (Photo Credit: Makayla Salter)

Northwest Missouri State enters the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship as the No. 6 seed. They finished the regular season with a 19-17 mark in conference play and 25-24 overall. The Bearcats finished tied with Rogers State but lost the tiebreaker for the higher seed due to losing the regular-season series to the Hillcats. Their quarterfinal matchup is against the third-seeded Fort Hays State Tigers on Thursday evening at 7 PM Central Time.

Team Stats

The Bearcats demonstrate good patience at the plate, ranking third in the MIAA with 249 walks drawn.

Players to Watch

Hitting:

Kaehukai Young: Leads the team with 59 RBIs.
Ashton Neuman: Provides power and on-base ability with a 1.046 OPS and 12 home runs.
Jacob Selock: Adds power to the lineup with 10 home runs.
Dylan Hufft: Hits for a high average with a .361 BA.

Pitching:

Brock Steggall: Has been effective, posting a 3.02 ERA over 41.2 innings pitched.

Northwest Missouri State, the sixth seed, looks to make a run in Joplin. Their offense features power threats like Ashton Neuman and Jacob Selock, the run-producing capability of Kaehukai Young, and the contact skills of Dylan Hufft. While their pitching staff lacks multiple players meeting the specific standout criteria, Brock Steggall has provided quality innings with a low ERA. They face a tough quarterfinal matchup against Fort Hays State.

#7 Seed Washburn Ichabods

Jett Buck (Photo Credit: Nick Gainey / WU Athletics)

Washburn enters the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship as the No. 7 seed after navigating the regular season with an 18-18 conference record and 26-24 overall. The Ichabods secured the seventh seed over Missouri Southern thanks to a 3-0 series sweep during the regular season. As part of the opening round on Wednesday, May 7, they will face the No. 10 seed, Northeastern State at 1 PM Central Time.

Team Stats

The Washburn offense ranks among the best in the MIAA, sitting third in team batting average (.311) and third in team OPS (.942).

Players to Watch

Hitting:

Jett Buck: Powers the Ichabod lineup with a 1.157 OPS, 19 home runs, and a team-leading 63 RBIs.
Jackson Mervosh: Hits for a high average at .358 while also providing power with a 1.033 OPS and 10 home runs.
Payton McHarg: Adds another power threat with a 1.007 OPS and 13 home runs.

Pitching:

Caleb Lunnon leads the team with a 4.48 ERA over 60.1 innings.

The seventh-seeded Washburn Ichabods feature a potent offense capable of scoring runs in bunches, ranking in the top three in the MIAA in both batting average and OPS. Key offensive players like Jett Buck, Jackson Mervosh, and Payton McHarg lead the attack. Washburn will look to outslug opponents, starting with their opening-round game against Northeastern State.

#8 Seed Missouri Southern Lions

Drew Townsend (Photo Credit: MSSU Lions)

Missouri Southern enters the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship as the No. 8 seed after finishing the regular season with an 18-18 conference record and 26-23 overall. They lost the tiebreaker for the seventh seed to Washburn. As the tournament host, the Lions will play in the opening round against the ninth-seeded Emporia State Hornets on Wednesday afternoon at 4 PM Central Time.

Team Stats

The Lions' offense ranks fourth in the MIAA with a .303 team batting average. Their pitching staff is fifth in the conference with 408 strikeouts. Defensively, Missouri Southern excels at controlling the opponent's running game, ranking second in the MIAA with a .339 caught stealing percentage.

Players to Watch

Hitting:

Drew Townsend: A key offensive weapon, hitting .369 with a 1.12 OPS and 11 home runs.
Ethan Clark: Leads the team in run production with 54 RBIs.

Pitching:

Laif Hultine: Demonstrates good command with a 2.5 K/BB ratio over 37.1 innings pitched.

Playing on their home field, the eighth-seeded Missouri Southern Lions look to make a run starting in the opening round. Their offense features Drew Townsend and the RBI leader Ethan Clark, while their defense is particularly strong at controlling the run game. Laif Hultine contributes on the mound. The Lions will face Emporia State in their first game as they aim to advance in the tournament they are hosting.

#9 Seed Emporia State Hornets

Emporia State enters the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship as the No. 9 seed, finishing the regular season with a 16-20 record in conference play and 23-24 overall. The Hornets will face the No. 8 seed and tournament host, Missouri Southern, in the opening round on Wednesday afternoon at 4 PM Central Time.

Team Stats

The Emporia State pitching staff ranks third in the MIAA with a 2.28 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Players to Watch

Hitting:

Noah Steele: Paces the offense with a 1.149 OPS, 15 home runs, and a team-leading 53 RBIs.
TJ Racherbaumer: Contributes a strong bat with a 1.016 OPS.

Pitching:

Seth Stover: Has a solid 2.93 K/BB ratio over 72 innings pitched.
Coby Rogers: Maintains a 2.92 K/BB ratio across 27 innings.
Cade Barton: Posts an impressive 19.5 K/BB ratio in 60 innings pitched.

The ninth-seeded Emporia State Hornets look to make some noise in the opening round of the MIAA tournament. Their offense is led by the power of Noah Steele and TJ Racherbaumer. The pitching staff features several arms with good command, including Seth Stover, Coby Rogers, and Cade Barton, contributing to their top-three ranking in K/BB ratio. They face tournament host Missouri Southern in their first game.

#10 Seed Northeastern State RiverHawks

Izac Sizemore (Photo Credit: Randy Edwards)

Northeastern State enters the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship as the No. 10 seed, having finished the regular season with a 13-23 conference record and 15-34 overall. The RiverHawks will compete in the opening round against the No. 7 seed, Washburn, on Wednesday afternoon.

Team Stats

The RiverHawks are aggressive on the basepaths, ranking second in the MIAA with 105 stolen bases.

Players to Watch

Hitting:

Christian Castro: A major threat on the bases with 29 stolen bases.
Gage Williams: Leads the team with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs.

Pitching:

Izac Sizemore: leads the time with a 4.91 ERA over 58.2 innings.

The tenth-seeded Northeastern State RiverHawks rely on their speed, ranking second in the MIAA in stolen bases, led by Christian Castro. Gage Williams provides the primary power source and leads the team in RBIs. They face Washburn in the opening round, looking to utilize their team speed to gain an edge.