HEB baseball, softball teams encouraged by close games

In baseball and softball, a single run or play here and there can mean the difference between being champions and watching the postseason.

Take, for example, the Hurst L.D. Bell Blue Raiders baseball team (12-17, 3-11 in District 5-6A). Coach Paul Gibson’s team enjoyed success in one-run games, winning three of four in which they played, splitting two in district. However, a 3-5 record in two-run games was a setback for his squad, particularly in district, where they were 2-4.

“We had a couple of games decided by one or two plays that were made against us or that we didn’t make,” Gibson said. “Room for error is very slim in a tough district.”

Rival Trinity (15-13-2, 5-9 in 5-6A) also fared well in one-run contests. The Trojans were 4-2 in such games, but both losses came in district, including 2-1 to Bell. The Trojans were 3-0 in two-run games, including 2-0 in district.

“Our boys are able to have success in close games because they stay calm under pressure,” Trinity coach William Averitt said. “They are able to remain poised because they trust their ability and their teammates. This trust, along with a special bond, is developed in the fall season with the activities (weights, conditioning, team building) we are doing.”

However, close losses can also bring optimism for the future. Gibson and Averitt believe the narrow defeats can factor as a positive for youngsters needing experience to progress in their game. Gibson said Bell has at least eight starters returning next season, while Averitt said Trinity started two freshmen, three sophomores and a junior, with two other freshmen who contributed.

“We have a talented young group and are very pleased with the way they competed and conducted themselves,” Averitt said. “We asked a lot of them this season. It can be tough to be 14-15 years old and competing against kids who will be playing in college next August. They did, and even exceeded our expectations.

“We know that their experience and energy will be contagious as new faces fill in spots around them in the future. We had 11 seniors that played a big role in supporting, leading and mentoring these younger players.”

The Lady Raiders softball team could also certainly have benefited from another run here or there, or perhaps one less from the other side. The Bell girls were were 0-6 in one-run games, including 0-4 in district.

Win those four games, and the Lady Raiders likely make a return to the playoffs. They were 2-2 in two-run contests, including 2-0 in league play.

Bell finished 6-8 in district (14-18-1 overall).

“Losing by one or losing a close game should reinforce the concept that ‘it’s the little things that count,’” Bell coach Thomas Shives said. “One play could be the difference in the game.

“We talk a lot about focus and when you get that chance to make a play to help your team win, be ready and make it. It could be the difference in the game.

When you’re playing in a district like this, it’s all about attention to details.”

The Lady Raiders will have seven full-time or part-time starters returning, along with four other players who saw action in reserve.

The Trinity Lady Trojans (6-23-2, 0-14) didn’t have as many close games, but were 1-1 in the two one-run contests they played.

This story was originally published May 4, 2017 at 2:56 PM with the headline "HEB baseball, softball teams encouraged by close games."