Feb. 8, 2013

ELMHURST, Ill. -- The Oakland baseball team was picked to finish third in The Summit League Preseason Poll, as voted on by the six league coaches and released on Friday. The Golden Grizzlies earned 16 points and collected one first-place vote.

Oakland finished second in the league standings last season and will host the 2013 Summit League Baseball Championship. Coach John Musachio was the Summit League Coach of the Year.

North Dakota State was tabbed as the favorite in the poll, garnering 25 points and five first-place votes. South Dakota State edged Oakland for the second spot with 17 points.

Western Illinois had 15 points and was fourth. Fort Wayne was fifth with nine points, followed by Omaha with eight.

The Golden Grizzlies were picked second in preseason polls by both Perfect Game and Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.

The Golden Grizzlies open the season on Feb. 22 with a four-game series at Maryland. The first home game for OU is on April 4 against Olivet.

Complete Summit League Preseason Poll Release

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