Burnet baseball finishes 1st round in 1st place

CAPTION: In a battle of District 24-4A undefeated, Will Johnson’s plate production helped lead the Burnet Bulldogs to victory. Photo by Stennis Shotts

The Burnet High School baseball team defeated Lago Vista 7-0 March 22 for sole possession of first place in the District 24-4A standings.

“They were pleased with the way we played,” head coach Russell Houston said. “We didn’t play perfect, but we played well. We talked a little bit after that that this is the same situation we were in a year ago. We’re a little healthier. We lost two of our key pieces over spring break last year.”

He noted that while the score reflected a shutout, the Vikings (12-6-1, 4-1) gave a valiant fight.

The Bulldogs scored two runs early in the first inning.

“I think a lot of that was because they made an error, and we were able to capitalize,” the coach said. “I thought they pitched really well. They had a pass ball by the catcher after a dropped third strike, and we got on. It’s one of those big back breakers for a team. Now the pitcher has to start all over again, and that can be frustrating.”

They added two runs in the fourth inning, two in the fifth, and one in the sixth.

Will Johnson went 3 for 3 at the plate.

“He’s starting to swing it again,” Houston said. “Every high school kid goes through a slump. He’s starting to come out of his, which is good. We had timely hits after a couple of errors after getting on base. We’re finding ways to get the bat to others to get rolling.”

The Bulldogs ensured the Vikings may have been frustrated offensively, too. They had a few deep shots and outfielders Khris Kassner and Colt Stanford ran down the ball for outs.

“We had some really big plays,” the coach said. “They were big to get out of the inning. Kassner caught a foul ball to get us out of jam. Those two have really settled in and gotten more comfortable. Making big plays for your pitcher is probably the biggest thing.”

Burnet senior pitcher Dash Denton threw all seven innings.

“Dash pitched really well,” Houston said. “He was in command of the strike zone all night. He threw well and kept them off balance. The big thing with him is being effective early in the game. Maybe he’s not trying for strikes early. He allows and trusts the defense behind him to make plays. His pitch count doesn’t get up super high. That allows him to go deep in a game. Once he can smell the finish line, he wants to go finish. The last out was a K. “

The Bulldogs committed an error but had an immediate response.

“We got out of the inning without damage,” the coach said.

Burnet welcomes to Jarrell Tuesday, March 26, and travels to play the Cougars Thursday, March 28. Both games begin at 7 p.m.

Houston noted the Bulldogs have a mature view on the district standings.

“I think they were content or happy,” he said. “But they’re not done. They realize it can all change in the blink of an eye. It can all just flip flop. I think they’re still hungry and I think they have more.”

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