Mustangs raise performances at AISD tourney

AUSTIN — Solid performances during the prestigious Austin Independent School District Tournament has encouraged the Marble Falls High School baseball team.

The Mustangs (6-8) show some grit despite a 7-6 loss to San Marcos, head coach David Norwood said.

The tournament was held Friday and Saturday.

Sophomore pitcher Derek Steffek stood out on the mound.

“It was a really good game,” Norwood said of the match against San Marcos.

What impressed him was that neither team gave up. If San Marcos took a lead, the Mustangs responded. If Marble Falls built an advantage, San Marcos tied the game.

“They were up, 6-3, and we hit the ball well,” the coach said. “San Marcos came up with a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth.”

Marble Falls misplayed a ball in the outfield and had a base-running mistake with the bases loaded that allowed San Marcos to get out of the inning.

“I think we played well,” Norwood said.

The Mustangs also lost to Eagle Pass, 11-2, a team that had a lot of intangibles, Norwood said.

“They were extremely talented, and they had a lot of speed,” he said. “It wasn’t a good night.”

Junior pitcher Will Shirey started, while senior Turner McQuaide took over in relief.

Marble Falls bounced back with a 9-1 victory against Austin Akins. Norwood said his team pulled the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde routine.

He was happy with the run production, noting that when the players put all the elements together, they are successful at the plate.

The Mustangs scored in each of the five innings played and recorded eight hits

During the tournament, Norwood said he talked to other coaches, and most said the outcome of the games comes down to the performance in one position.

“(It’s) all tied to how the pitching mound does,” he said.

Senior Cooper Bowen threw five innings and was relieved by junior Brian Hicks.

The duo are considered the team’s top two pitchers.

Sophomore Zed Woerner hit a two-run homer to give the Mustangs some breathing room.

Norwood said each player contributed to the outcome.

“We looked like a really good team,” he said.

He singled out senior Cameron Venghaus, who has spent time at catcher, shortstop and outfield.

“He made two outstanding plays,” the coach said. “One in right field and one at shortstop. Cameron has done a good job for us at catcher, third and shortstop.”

The Mustangs’ next game is 3 p.m. Wednesday against Cedar Park Vista Ridge at Scearce Baseball Field, 2101 Mustang Drive in Marble Falls.

They will host Burnet 6 p.m. Thursday and then end the week on the road against Llano 2 p.m. Saturday.

When Marble Falls returns from Spring Break, they will open District 25-4A play at Hutto March 23.