Missed chances spoil Mustangs’ night in Strawberry Capital

Mustang second baseman Antonio Trevino throws to first base. Photo courtesy Stephen Garcia, Pleasanton Express.

The Natalia Mustangs out-hit the Poteet Aggies 5-2 last Friday night in the Strawberry Capital. They also had two defensive errors compared to three committed by the home squad Aggies. Unfortunately, missed opportunities proved costly, as Poteet worked past Natalia scoring a run a piece in the 3rd, 4th and 5th innings.
“We came up short in Poteet,” Natalia Head Coach Philip Martinez said. “We did a good job defensively, but in a few innings, we allowed their leadoff hitter to get on base courtesy of an error. We have to find a way to eliminate those innings.”
Natalia Mustang senior Rey Garza pitched the first 3.1 innings of the contest, as he allowed 0 hits, but had an off night on the mound walking an unusual six batters in the game. He did account for four Ks allowing two runs, one of which was earned.
Javier Hernandez pitched the final 2.2 innings, allowing two hits, walking one, picking up one K allowing one run which was not earned.
Offensively, Natalia had a few opportunities, as they stranded a total of nine runners on the night.
Poteet broke the game open in the bottom of the 3rd. They used a Lopez base on balls and a fielder’s choice put into play by Ambriz to take the 1-0 lead.
The Aggies added their 2nd run of the game in the bottom of the 4th, as an error put into play by Gonzales later allowed him to score thanks to three walks and a passed ball.
The final run the Maroon and White put across the plate, was in the bottom of the 5th, thanks to a double by Garza, a passed ball and a fly out by Rodriguez.
As a result, the Aggies were able to scrape past the Stangs 3-0.
“Offensively, we had a few opportunities, but couldn’t stay consistent with our bats,” Martinez said.
At Bat: Garza 1-3, Gabe Figueroa 0-3, Manuel Saldana 0-3, Anton Felker 2-2, Isaiah Gomez 0-3, Hernandez 2-3, Antonio Trevino 0-3, Alex Valdez 0-2 and Dustin Richardson 0-3.
Defensive Put-Outs: Gomez 6, Valdez 4, Matt Contreras 2, Garza 2, Trevino 2, Richardson 1, Felker 1. Assists- Trevino 3, Contreras 2, Hernandez 1, Richardson 1.
District Play arrives
The Natalia Mustangs open 26-3A play on Friday on the road against a Jourdanton squad who has struggled to find a true rhythm thus far this year. Like Natalia, the boys in red have played a tough non-district schedule, so do not be fooled by the fact they have more losses than wins.
“We have battled a few injuries during non-district play. We hope to get those guys back soon,” Martinez said. The guys have done a great job of competing game after game. We have faced some really good teams and showed we can play with anyone, but we have to find a way to be more consistent.”
The Mustangs and Indians will square off at their brand new state of the art all turf facility this coming Friday at 6:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, March 28th the Karnes City Badgers come to town for a district battle at 6:00 p.m.

By Eric Smith
Staff Writer