The 2008 Panther Baseball Team opened the season with a hard fought 10 to 8 victory over the Llano Yellow Jackets. Blanco would jump out to an early 5 to 0 lead before seeing the Jackets tie the game in the bottom of the sixth at 8 to 8. The Panthers would manage to push two runs across the plate in the top half of the seventh before closing out the game on the Panther’s first double play of the year.

On the mound, Ross McCormick would pick up the win going six innings and striking out 12 batters while scattering 5 hits. Justin Warner would face just three batters in the bottom of the seventh to get the save.

Offensively, Kevin Gray would lead the way going 2 for 3 with 3 RBI’s and 4 stolen bases. In addition, Shane Klein would go 3 for 5 with a double and 2 runs scored, while Warner would also add 3 hits at the plate.

Blanco will now prepare for the upcoming Sonora Tournament this weekend. Blanco will play Eldorado, San Saba, and Junction on Friday in a pool play format before taking the field again on Saturday. The Panthers’ first home game of the season will be this coming Monday, February 25th, against the San Saba Armadillos. The Junior Varsity will start at 4:30 pm with the Varsity to follow at 7:00 pm.