Getting better in all phases is a big key for the Mustangs

A day after losing to Cedar Park 1-0, the Marble Falls High School baseball team’s momentum was cut in a 12-0 loss to Georgetown March 17 in a game that ended after five innings.

The Mustangs (4-6, 0-2 District 25-5A) will look to bounce back in a road game at Leander at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 22.

During the loss to the Eagles (11-1, 2-0), Marble Falls committed eight errors. Against the Timberwolves, the Mustangs made every routine play and even a couple that weren’t but couldn’t get the timely hit to either get on base or bring in runs.

“I wish I could explain that,” Marble Falls head coach Tyler Porter said on how his team looked so different in a 24-hour span. “It’s a Jekyll and Hyde that shows improvement when you can make plays.”

Georgetown began the contest by plating five runs in the first inning, two in the second, and five in the third. Marble Falls used two pitchers: Jake Becker and Evan Nickowski.

The way the Georgetown loss happened has the Mustangs scratching their heads. Twenty-four hours earlier, Marble Falls pushed Cedar Park to the limit and forced the Timberwolves to win in extra innings. A pass ball that allowed the winning run to score from third base was the difference in the contest.

Against Georgetown, it’s difficult to look past the errors though it’s not a stretch to see the Mustangs’ confidence when senior ace pitcher Hudson McBryde is on the mound. McBryde was on the mound against Cedar Park.

“I do think Hudson is a good leader, and the guys rally behind him,” Porter said. “Hudson throws strikes, so it’s really easy to stay focused. When the pitch count is 3-0, 3-1, 3-2, it slows the pace of the game.”

Porter said he gave his players a reality check.

“I think we’re good, but we’re not good enough to give five or six outs in an inning,” he said. “I thought we looked bad in all three phases. It’s hard to win a game when you’re playing that poorly. We’re trying to figure out who we are as a team.”

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