New Mustangs skipper talks strategy, returning roster

The Mustangs have a lot to live up to after their Pioneer League championship appearance last season. They have a new manager, but he was on the coaching staff last year, which means that, for the most part, they can pick up right where they left off. 

"With the run that we had at the end of last year, to be able to bring back basically almost 50% of the guys or a little bit over, it kind of established 'hey, this is what we're about, this is what the expectations are', and then to sprinkle in some of the new guys that we've added has been a very positive thing," manager Craig Maddox said.

It's been a turbulent season so far for the Mustangs, who hover right around the .500 mark. They've had exciting close wins, but also several losses by ten runs or more.

"Not get too high or get too low," Maddox said. "It's 96 games in a season, so, just kind of trying to keep it even keel and understand that the game of baseball is hard, and learn from the mistakes that we make, and try to get better the next day."

The Pioneer League has a reputation for high-powered offense, but this year it's been uncharacteristically high. The Mustangs have played two games already this season where 30 combined runs have been scored. 

"Our standpoint is always about, just make sure, from the pitching side, make sure that we try to at least give our offense a chance," Maddox said. "With the offense that we have and the team that we've built, we've got a pretty good core group of guys that I feel like can compete from the first inning to the ninth inning and give ourselves a chance to win."

The Mustangs look for three straight wins against the Rocky Mountain Vibes Friday night and return home June 18th to start a series with the Missoula Paddleheads.

This article was originally published by Katelyn McLean in SWX Local Sports. To view the full interview, please visit: https://www.swxlocalsports.com/montana/pro/pioneer-league/on-deck-new-mustangs-skipper-talks-strategy-returning-roster/article_1b438304-252c-11ef-9ab8-17c4aae7b60f.html