Wildcats set to open 2013 season against Boll Weevils at Minute Maid Park

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HOUSTON – Coming off the program's first losing season since 1995, the ACU Wildcats open the 2013 campaign with plenty of question marks, but focused on getting the program back to its accustomed heights.

Head coach Britt Bonneau will begin his 17th season at the helm Friday at 10 a.m. when the Wildcats take on Arkansas-Monticello at Minute Maid Park in the first game of the Astros in Action D-II Invitational.  The Wildcats will also Central Missouri at 7 p.m. Saturday, Incarnate Word at 1 p.m. Sunday and Texas A&M-Kingsville at 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Wildcats finished 26-28 last season and are picked to finish sixth in the Lone Star Conference, while the Boll Weevils of Monticello were 18-26 last season and have been picked to finish eighth this season in the Great American Conference.

Last year's sub-.500 record was the first losing record since the 1995 team went 17-36, and it marked the first time since 1997-99 that the Wildcats have gone consecutive seasons without reaching the NCAA post-season tournament.

ACU returns all-region infielder Chuck Duarte, who played both second base and shortstop, while hitting .358 on the season with four home runs and 38 RBI.  Also returning are outfielder Tyler Eager, who was the LSC Freshman of the Year in 2012 after hitting .329 with 33 RBI.

Also returning to the Wildcat lineup will be Travis Schuetze (.321 and all-tournament at the LSC Post-Season Tournament in 2012), catcher / first baseman Rodge Macy (.283, 30 RBI), and designated hitter Kyle Conwell (.292, three home runs, 26 RBI).

Returning pitchers will be Aaron Lambrix (4-5 last year), who will probably open the season as the team's closer.  Also returning are starters Austin Palmer (2-2, 5.20 ERA) and Jordon Herrera (2-7, 8.39 ERA).  Also returning will be relievers Clint cooper (7-3, 6.23 ERA) and Brady Rodriguez (3-2, 4.61 ERA).

Palmer will get the start for the Wildcats in Friday's season-opening contest against the Boll Weevils.

Key additions for the 2013 Wildcats will be Ty Taylor (outfielder / left-handed pitcher), infielder Seth Spivey, third baseman Kyle Giusti, right-handed pitcher Nick Palacios, and starting pitcher Carter Hahn.