The Creekview High Mustangs baseball team’s growing maturity was recently on full display in a game they had to win.
The 12-12 overall, 5-5 in 5A Region II District 11 Mustangs held on for a 6-5 road win over longtime rival Turner High on April 13, to keep their postseason hopes alive. They currently sit one game out of the playoffs with four left to play.
“We’re very optimistic,” coach Blake Koch told Texas Scorecard of his young team’s chances. “Our young guys have been getting really good experience and are starting to understand what varsity baseball is all about.”
Led by freshman first baseman Ethan Hodges, sophomore shortstop Carson Braun and second-year pitcher John Schaller, the Mustangs start one freshman, three sophomores and two juniors.
“Ethan hits third for us and is one of our best hitters,” Koch added. “He’s very advanced for his age and has had a really big year.”
Ditto for Braun, who besides starring at the plate “solidified the Mustangs’ defense” after he was moved to shortstop around midseason, according to Koch.
Now in his second season as head coach, Koch said Creekview has just the right mix of youth and experience.
Against Turner, it was senior shortstop and team captain Tanner Showtwell who led the way with a two-run homer and two-run double. Schaller picked up the win and has an ERA around 1.70 in district play.
“He’s really embraced his leadership role,” Koch said of Showtwell. “This is the best season he’s had offensively.”
Koch said he’s hopeful that and all the Mustangs’ other strengths will be enough to get them over the hump.
“One of our goals to start the season was to make the playoffs and we’ve still got a shot at that,” he said. “We’re optimistic, and I think if we can get there we’ll have a good chance of making it out of the first round.”
