FRISCO, Texas – Lamar University received a first-place vote and have been picked second in the 2024 Southland Conference Preseason Poll announced league officials Thursday morning. In addition, to the preseason poll, the Cardinals also had eight players (four first-team and four second-team selections) named to the preseason All-SLC teams.
 
The Cardinals received 106 points – one of only two schools to receive at least 100 points – in the preseason poll being picked second behind defending league champion Nicholls. It is the highest preseason prediction for the Red and White since 2014 when LU was picked to finish in a tie for second. 
 
Led by first-team selections Ethan Ruiz (third base), Brooks Caple (starting pitcher), Hunter Hesseltine (starting pitcher), and Kanin Dodge (utility), the Cardinals had the most representatives of all schools on the preseason squad, and the second-most first-team selections (Nicholls). 
 
Starting pitchers Caple and Hesseltine were automatic first-team nods due to earning postseason recognition last season, while the rest of Lamar's selections were voted on by the league head coaches.
 
The Cardinals enter the 2024 campaign with all three weekend starters from last season landing on the preseason squad as Jacob Ellis received second-team honors. Coming out of the bullpen, junior Jackson Cleveland also received second-team honors. 
 
As a staff, the Cardinals led the Southland with a 3.96 earned run average while striking out 425 batters and holding opponents to a .248 batting average – second best mark in the SLC. The Cardinals also finished second in the SLC with 14 saves, just one off the league lead.
 
Caple led the team posting a perfect 5-0 record in 15 starts with a 3.19 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He also struck out 50 batters in 59.1 innings. A versatile athlete, Caple also came out of the bullpen late in the season to help strengthen the Cards in late game situations. He finished the year holding opponents to a .229 batting average.
 
Hesseltine was moved from the bullpen into the weekend rotation midway through the season due to injuries on the staff. He posted a 4-2 record with a 3.98 ERA (1.36. WHIP). He struck out 46 batters in 54.1 innings of work and also pitched a complete game on the season. 
 
Ruiz really came into his own midway through the season last year. Ruiz played in 53 games earning 52 start and ended the year hitting .299 with seven home runs, 14 doubles and 36 runs batted in. He also posted a .352 on-base percentage with an .831 OPS. Ruiz recorded at least one hit in 16 of the team's final 19 games including six multi-hit game during that stretch. He closed the year going 21 for his last 60 (.350) with 16 RBIs.
 
Dodge posted a career year for the Cardinals after transferring over from Stephen F. Austin. Playing in and starting all 55 games at shortstop, Dodge not only was a top defender at short, but he posted a .272 batting average with a home run, 13 doubles, a triple and 21 runs driven in. He also scored 35 runs on the season.
 
The Cardinals' four first-team selections are joined by four second teamers. Those selections are Houston Christian transfer Austin Roccaforte (second base), River Orsak (designated hitter), Ellis and Cleveland.
 
The Cardinals will open the 2024 campaign with eight-straight games away from Beaumont beginning Friday, Feb. 16^th against Southern Indiana in the South Alabama Tournament.