The Road to Joplin

NAIA Ball and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) have partnered for the 2025 season to provide unprecedented coverage of KCAC baseball. Each week, The Road to Joplin will break down the top eight teams in the conference, preview the upcoming weekend slate of games, and highlight one must-watch KCAC series. Additionally, we’ll spotlight a standout pitcher and hitter while offering an honest assessment of each team’s current form using the team meter:

  • HOT = Playing excellent baseball and trending upward.
  • WARM = Holding steady with no major concerns.
  • COLD = Struggling and in need of improvement.

The Joplin Eight

Oklahoma Wesleyan

The Eagles were the first team in the nation to reach 10 wins this season. Head coach Kirk Kelley celebrated his 900th career victory, and the offense is rolling, ranking second in the country with 105 RBIs. Returning from Florida with five more wins under their belt, OKWU is soaring into KCAC play against Friends (KS). The team boasts a .331 batting average and a 3.29 ERA—there’s little to criticize about their start. Tougher tests lie ahead, but for now, they’re the hottest team in the KCAC.

  • Pitcher to watch: Evan Foor – 13 IP, 3-0, 0.00 ERA, 16 K
  • Hitter to watch: Ravaughn Morgan – .425 AVG, 17 H, 15 RBI, 6 2B, 3 HR
  • Team meter:  HOT

Tabor (KS)

The Cajun Collision tournament didn’t go as planned for the Blue Jays, who finished 1-3, salvaging a win on a Mikey Acosta walk-off three-run homer against LSU-Alexandria. However, there’s still plenty to like about this squad—they lead the KCAC in team batting average (.342). Tabor has a week to regroup before opening conference play on the road against McPherson. This team should easily be a top-four contender in the KCAC and will be one to watch as the season progresses.

  • Pitcher to watch: Zaid Flynn – 3.86 ERA
  • Hitter to watch: Cody Moore – 8 extra-base hits
  • Team meter:  WARM

Ottawa (KS)

The Braves enter KCAC play with a 7-1 record and will be favorites in their opening conference series. Their only loss—a 1-0 extra-innings heartbreaker—came early, but they’ve bounced back with three straight wins. If they continue handling business, they’ll be a legitimate contender on The Road to Joplin.

  • Pitcher to watch: Zack Melendez – 13 IP, 0.69 ERA
  • Hitter to watch: Jaquavius Davis – 3 HR
  • Team meter:  HOT

Kansas Wesleyan

Entering 2025, Kansas Wesleyan had significant roster turnover, filling key spots for the first time in four years. Their 5-6 start has been unexpected, but the team is beginning to find its rhythm. Offensively, the Coyotes need improvement (.231 AVG), but their pitching staff ranks fourth in the KCAC with a 4.81 ERA. This weekend’s series against Evangel will be a crucial test.

  • Pitcher to watch: Nathan Righi – 19 K, 2-0
  • Hitter to watch: Jacob Williamson – .421 AVG
  • Team meter: WARM

Friends (KS)

The Falcons have a brutal start to their KCAC schedule, facing OKWU, Tabor, and Kansas Wesleyan in the first three weeks. This stretch will reveal exactly where they stand among the KCAC’s best. Statistically, Friends sits in the middle of the pack in both offense and pitching, holding a 5-4 record entering conference play.

  • Pitcher to watch: Francisco Moscoso – 20 K
  • Hitter to watch: Nijai Armbrister – .370 AVG
  • Team meter:  WARM

McPherson (KS)

At 5-6, the Bulldogs are in a much better position after a rough opening weekend. Their schedule has been filled with postseason-caliber opponents, but they rebounded with a strong showing at the Cajun Collision (3-1). This weekend’s matchup against Tabor will be a great measuring stick. McPherson is more than capable of making Joplin, but expectations remain high after national postseason berths in four of the last five years.

  • Pitcher to watch: Matthew Bomersback – 12 K
  • Hitter to watch: Colt Uphold – .419 AVG
  • Team meter:  WARM

Sterling (KS)

Sterling started the year 0-2 with losses to Oklahoma City and Clarke (IA) but responded with four straight wins against Randall (OK). Their KCAC opener against Bethany (KS) will be an early test. The Warriors have won exactly 20 games in each of the last two seasons but fell two games short of making the conference tournament. These final few spots are interchangeable, but for now, Sterling holds its place. Check back next Monday—it could change quickly.

  • Pitcher to watch: Trenton Canaan – 1.86 ERA
  • Hitter to watch: Andrew Dutro – 2 HR
  • Team meter:  WARM

York (NE)

Rounding out The Joplin Eight, York is looking for a much-improved 2025 campaign. Sitting at 3-3, they face a massive challenge this weekend against #14 Mid-America Christian (OK) before beginning KCAC play versus Sterling. Head coach Walth’s squad has steadily improved over the last three seasons and is aiming to reach the KCAC tournament in Joplin.

  • Pitcher to watch: Ian Heck – 13 IP, 0.69 ERA
  • Hitter to watch: Ian Heck – 10 RBI
  • Team meter: WARM

These rankings are fluid and will be updated weekly as the season unfolds. What’s true today might look very different next week!

KCAC Series This Weekend

  • Sterling (KS) @ Bethany (KS)
  • Kansas Wesleyan @ Evangel (MO)
  • Oklahoma Wesleyan @ Friends (KS)
  • Saint Mary (KS) @ Avila (MO)
  • Tabor (KS) @ McPherson (KS) – KCAC SERIES TO WATCH
    • Tabor leads the all-time series vs. McPherson 38-9.
    • Tabor is 7-3 in its last 10 matchups vs. McPherson.
    • Tabor holds a 14-6 record when playing at McPherson.

Weather could play a factor in several of these matchups. Stay tuned for updates!