By Greg James [email protected] 

Herriman, Utah - The difference between winning and losing is not always found in the final score. The Herriman Mustang baseball program has succeeded in finding balance and is striving to take the next step toward its goal of the playoffs and an eventual state championship.

“We have had a good year. The kids have been working hard, the younger group is playing really well and so are our older groups,” head coach Jason DeHerrera said. “Summertime is about progressing and getting better from the year before; summer baseball is not about winning trophies.”

The spring high school season did not go as the Mustangs had hoped. Their sixth place finish and 7-12 region record was not what they had expected. It was 10 straight losses to state powerhouses like Lehi, American Fork and Lone Peak that marred an incredible start to the season.

The Mustangs won five of their first six games, including the championship of the Texas Roadhouse Classic in St George in March. The season seemed destined for greatness[J1] .

“We were competitive all season,” DeHerrera said. “We had games against AF (American Fork), Pleasant Grove and Lehi that we were ahead and then just lost it. Region 4 is hard because you really need to earn it. This summer we have been working on things we did not do well in the spring. We have focused on our pitching and situational hitting. We have had a good summer.”

The varsity prep team finished its summer season with a 10-2 record. The team tied Olympus and Murray for the regular season championship. The team is scheduled to begin its tournament July 19 (after press deadline). 

The Mustangs have enough players to field five summer teams: a 17 and under, 16u, 15u and two 14u teams. Three of the teams participate in Utah County’s perfect game program.

“We had over 70 kids tryout for our teams this year,” DeHerrera said. “We have had a lot of kids. The growth in Herriman has been incredible. It is hard for me to tell kids they cannot play here, but we cannot keep that many players. I know the future is bright. I have been really impressed with the young players.” DeHerrera said.

Pitching has been a key for the Mustangs this summer. Seniors Justin Davis and Cade Eldredge, along with underclassmen Ryan Jeffs and Colton Bailey, have stood out on the mound. DeHerrera said he is impressed with the pitching improvement. Caden Boyd has pitched and settled in at catcher this summer too.

“Summer is such an interesting time. We have kids with vacations and kids working, but I am excited to see our progress,” DeHerrera said.

 The Mustangs last appearance in the state tournament was in 2013. Since their move to 5A, they have never reached the postseason.

 “One of my big goals is to make the playoffs,” DeHerrera said. “Once we get there anything can happen. I have been in baseball long enough to know that. We just need to finish. It is just like our football team: Once we get over that hump and believe we belong, we will have success.”