Considering the circumstances, Westlake’s overall record of 7-3 looks impressive after winning three of five games at last week’s Langerhans Invitational at Woerner Field.

Westlake enters Tuesday’s District 25-5A opener against Bowie Tuesday with its first nondistrict winning record since 2003 despite replacing 10 starters, including two starting pitchers, from last season’s state semifinalist lineup.

Better yet, said Westlake coach Jim Darilek, Westlake has room for improvement as several youngsters still battle for spots in the starting lineup.

Those young players made some strong impressions in a 5-4 extra-inning setback to Round Rock Westwood in the third game of the Langerhans Invitational. Even after a brief rally in the bottom of the eighth inning fell short, Darilek had few grievances about his squad’s effort.

“We competed real well,” said the veteran skipper, who is traditionally parse with his praise. “I have no complains because we’re playing decent ball. We’re trying to gather some depth at some positions. I had some people in getting some work that haven’t been playing as much, and I thought they did OK.”

The newcomers to the lineup included third baseman Andres Mitre, who has battled for the starting nod at the hot corner. Mitre had an RBI single that tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning, which was one of only four Chap hits against Westwood ace Brooks Eady. Mitre also had four putouts that included a nifty barehanded throw to first on a well-placed bunt down the third-base line.

“I was a little nervous at the beginning,” said Mitre, who has played shortstop throughout his subvarsity career. “But after that first pitch, it was fine. It [third base] is just like playing shortstop; see the ball and catch it.”

Like his coach, Mitre cited the competition for playing time as a team strength that will benefit the Chaps.

“This whole preseason [nondistrict], everyone is working hard and getting playing time to see who can do the best,” he said.

Several other reserves made a case for more playing time as well. Garrett Ochoa had a strong game behind the plate, and Hayden Ross manned second base without any mishaps.

In addition, reserve outfielder Lewis Guilbeau came off the bench and blasted a two-run homer over the centerfield wall that tied the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. The shot against Westwood reliever Urbane Martinez not only kept Westlake in the game, but it also provided a dash of redemption for the free-swinging sophomore, who fanned five times in the previous game.

“Lewis is a good fastball hitter, and the guy was just pumping fastballs in there,” Darilek said. “I thought it was a good time for him to come in.”

Westlake’s most impressive performance may have come from junior pitcher Nathan Fleet, who handcuffed the potent Warriors in his first career start. Fleet gave up four hits and had six strikeouts in six innings of work. He may have tired in Westwood’s two-run sixth inning, but his 104 pitches easily marked a career-high.

“Fleet pitched real well,” Darilek said. “I didn’t want him to go as long as he did, but he was still in it, and I wanted him to try and finish it. He did a good job.”

Chaps close tournament with pair of wins

Westlake followed the setback to Westwood with an 8-6 win over Pflugerville Hendrickson. Collin Shaw earned the win on the mound after pitching five innings and helped himself with an RBI double. Davis Breedlove hit a two-run double, and Guilbeau continued to wield a hit bat with two singles and three RBIs.

The Chaps suffered a 9-8 loss to Seguin in Saturday’s tournament finale. Westlake surged to an early 4-1 lead before the Matadors battled back against a trio of Chap pitchers. Shaw, Guilbeau and Chris Watkins each hit doubles to pace Westlake’s offense.