(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) — For the second straight season the nationally ranked Central Missouri Mules baseball team will open the season February 1-4 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, according to a press release. This year, the Mules are one of seven division II teams taking part in the Houston Winter Invitational hosted by the Houston Astros and owner, UCM and MIAA Athletic Hall of Famer, Jim Crane.

The Mules will play four games in Houston beginning on Saturday, Feb. 1 and playing through Tuesday, Feb. 4. UCM will open the event and the season against 15th-ranked St. Mary’s (Texas) at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. The Mules will play Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. against Henderson State, Monday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. against Arkansas-Monticello and Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. against Winona State

Tickets to the games are $10 per adult and $6 for students (with valid ID) and $5 for youth (ages 4-14) for an all-day ticket (one ticket for all three games in a day). Children three and under are free with a ticketed adult. Parking will be $10 per car in the Diamond Club lot, $5 per car in Lot A.

Prior to the Mules’ 6 p.m. game against St. Mary’s on Saturday, Feb. 1 there will be a UCM Alumni & Friends Reception in the Insperity Club located inside Minute Maid Park on the main concourse behind home plate. The event will take place from 4-6 p.m. and is free of charge once inside the stadium. Fans may RSVP for the event by Jan. 30 by calling 660-543-4339 or online at www.ucmo.edu/houston.

Each of the Mules’ four games can be heard live on 1450 KOKO and www.warrensburgradio.com. Bob Jackson will call the action with airtime on the Central Missouri Sports Network slated for 25 minutes prior to first pitch for each game.

Houston Winter Invitational Schedule
Saturday, Feb. 1
10 a.m. — Arkansas-Monticello vs. Arkansas Tech
2 p.m. — Henderson State vs. Winona State
6 p.m. — St. Mary’s vs. Central Missouri

Sunday, Feb. 2
10 a.m. — St. Mary’s vs. Arkansas-Monticello
2 p.m. — Henderson State vs. Central Missouri
6 p.m. — Arkansas Tech vs. Winona State

Monday, Feb. 3
10 a.m. — Tarleton State vs. Winona State
2 p.m. — Arkansas-Monticello vs. Central Missouri
6 p.m. — Henderson State vs. Arkansas Tech

Tuesday, Feb. 4
10 a.m. — Winona State vs. Central Missouri
2 p.m. — Henderson State vs. Arkansas-Monticello
6 p.m. — Tarleton State vs. Arkansas Tech