BASEBALL: Mustangs to welcome powerhouse Lake Travis
MARBLE FALLS — Marble Falls High School baseball coach David Norwood has some advice for those who believe Lake Travis may have lost a lot with the departure of Cohl Walla, a member of the University of Texas at Austin baseball team, Dylan Mendoza, a member of the Texas A&M squad, and other standout players.
Don’t believe it.
IN PHOTO: Brian Hicks throws the out at first after fielding a bunt. Photo by Virgil Belk/Hill Country Sports Images
“Lake Travis is still Lake Travis,” Norwood said. “I have seen them play three times. Lake Travis is a very good baseball team. They’ve always been good. It’s difficult to say if they’re missing anything.”
The Mustangs (8-11, 2-2 in District 25-4A) will host Lake Travis (15-11, 3-1 in district) 7 p.m. Tuesday at Scearce Baseball Field, 2101 Mustang Drive.
The Cavaliers began the season ranked No. 2 in Class 4A.
This year’s Lake Travis ace is senior Brad Kuntz, a lefty who will attend Baylor.
“That’s one kid who’s very good,” Norwood said. “But it’s not the dominating pitching of the past.”
Still, the Cavaliers will bring a solid team, the Mustangs skipper said, with few weaknesses.
“They’re very deep, as usual,” he said.
But what he’s looking for is a confident Mustang team to take to the field.
And a win against Lake Travis would mean Marble Falls will end the first round with a winning record.
“We’d keep ourselves in position for a playoff run,” Norwood said. “I think there’s pressure anytime you step on the field. Anytime we step on the grass we’re going to try to play to win. We just need to go out and play good baseball.”
The coach said a starting pitcher has not been decided on.
Sophomore Derek Steffek (1-3-1) and junior Brian Hicks (3-2) threw in the 10-5 loss to Pflugerville Hendrickson Tuesday.
Senior Cooper Bowen (3-2-1), freshman Cole Ridgley (1-0) and senior Turner McQuaide were on the mound in the 21-2 win against Lampasas March 30.
But no matter who’s pitching, Norwood will be looking for the same elements to be in place — strong pitching, error-free defense and timely hitting — to lead the way.
“We’ll get out there and see what happens,” he said. “If we put the ball in play, we have a chance.”