This past week proved victorious for the Panther baseball team with key wins over strong district opponents. On Tuesday, Blanco traveled to Johnson City with hopes of avenging last year’s 18 to 0 defeat at the hands of the Eagles. After a quick two run first for the Panthers, Blanco would see Johnson City answer with five of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Although the Panthers scratched for two more runs over the next two innings, it wouldn’t be until the top of the sixth when Blanco took over the lead and then added to it in the top of the seventh to put the game away. Junior Clint Dreyer went the distance on the mound for his fourth win of the year, while at the plate Blanco totaled thirteen hits. Leading the way offensively was Tyler Tredaway going 4 for 5 with four stolen bases. John Pepper, Sam Isenberg, and Dreyer each collected two hits apiece with Dreyer providing the icing on the cake with a key homerun late in the game.

Following the big win in Johnson City, the Panthers returned home to complete the first round of district play hosting the Cole Cougars. The Cougars looked to be a tough task for the Panthers, keeping the game to within a single run until a three run 6th gave Blanco some breathing room to close out an 8 to 4 win. Senior Blake West improved to 4 and 0 with a strong seven inning performance on the mound, while Ethan Evans provided the offensive power going 3 for 4 and driving in two runs. Brooks Wyatt and Clint Dreyer also added two hits each as Blanco collected eleven hits on the night.

For the year, the Panthers are 13 and 7 and currently are in second place in district with a 3 and 1 mark at the half way point. Blanco will be at home for the remainder of the regular season with the exception of going to Cole for the final game of district play. The Panthers host Harper on Tuesday and Randolph to close out the week.