Making routine plays leads to Burnet’s first district win

In a 2-1 win against Jarrell March 8 to begin District 19-4A play, the Burnet High School baseball team gave a glimpse of how the Bulldogs will be successful.

That’s the word from head coach Russell Houston.

“If we can compete, throw strikes and play great defense, we can be competitive in our district,” he said. “I tell my kids all the time that if we can make routine plays, we’re going to be in the ball game.”

Take hitting. While Jarrell pitcher Carter Kammlah threw 10 strikeouts, the Bulldogs (4-2-1, 1-0) were meticulous when they reached base. Down 1-0 after the first inning, Burnet tied the contest at 1-1 in the third thanks to an RBI from sophomore Dash Denton to bring junior Jackson Crawford home.

Burnet took the lead in the sixth when a walk was issued with the bases loaded.

Houston pointed out the Bulldogs simply kept fighting and looking for their opportunities.

“It’s all about getting to the next guy,” he said.

Then there was pitching. Senior pitcher Clayton Zinz, who threw all seven innings, had two strikeouts and relied heavily on the defense. And his teammates delivered.

“He only threw 85 pitches,” Houston said, which showed Zinz had command of his pitches. “He was in the zone a lot.”

Houston noted coaches are still evaluating the pitching staff and where they can best help the team.

“Every game is different,” he said. “I have a couple of guys who are Tuesday and Friday guys, but you have to have other kids ready to step up. We don’t have those guys who’ll strike everybody out. We have to play smart and play great defense.”

Burnet will compete in the Wimberley tournament Friday and Saturday, March 11-12. The Bulldogs face Fredericksburg at 8 a.m. and Iowa Park at noon, both on Friday, and Stephenville at 2 p.m. and Houston Lutheran South Academy at 4 p.m., both on Saturday. All games are at Wimberley High School, 100 Carney Lane in Wimberley.

The Bulldogs return to district play against Georgetown Gateway at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at Bulldog Diamonds, 1000 The Green Mile in Burnet, and then travel to play at Salado at 7 p.m. Friday, March 18.