Griffons set for playoff clash with Jefferson City

Griffons slugger Nick Kreutzer signs a shirt for Destani Williams after Sunday’s home contest with St. Joseph.

Photos by Ralph Pokorny | Daily Mail

The Nevada Griffons will look to collect a playoff victory tonight, as they square off with the visiting Jefferson City Renegades, with the first pitch set for 7 p.m., tonight. The Griffons, who finished league-play 21-21 and second-place in the MINK South division, will likely start Ethan Vanderpool against the third-place Renegades, who finished 17-25 in their first season competing in the MINK League. To finish above .500, the Griffons (21-24 overall) will have to run the playoff table, winning tonight’s game, Thursday’s divisional road game against the Ozark Generals, while also prevailing in the first two games of the best of three championship series, scheduled for July 28-30. To avoid its first losing season in 11 years, the Griffons will need to win four out five playoff games.

The Griffons are among the MINK League leaders in several offensive categories, including home runs, 2nd (26); hits, 2nd (411); doubles, 2nd (83); total bases, 2nd (584); base on balls, 2nd (228); at-bats, 2nd (1,462); runs, 3rd (270); and RBIs, 3rd (216).

Griffons catcher T.J. Martin looks down a runner at third base, during Sunday’s regular-season finale with the St. Joseph Mustangs.