----- Original Message -----         The Varsity Baseball team opened up the Playoffs last weekend against the Copperas Cove Bulldawgs.  Jake Foster was the starting pitcher for the Panthers in Game 1 on Friday night.  Foster threw 6 innings to pick up the win.  Foster scattered 5 hits, struck out 4 batters, and walked 2.  Aaron Sims entered in the 7th inning and allowed the Dawgs to tie the game up.  In the top half of the 8th inning, Taylor Goss (2 for 4) hit an RBI singe to drive in the go ahead run.  Aaron Sims found redemption in the eighth, striking out two of the final three batters to seal the win for the Panthers.         Game 2 was played on Saturday and Preston Thigpen took the ball looking to advance the Panthers.  Thigpen threw 6 innings allowing 6 hits and striking out 6 batters.  The Panthers were trailing 1-0 early, but in the 4th inning Chase Edwards hit a 2 RBI double to put the Panthers up 2-1.  The Panthers added another run in the 6th inning when Taylor Goss singled to score Edwards.  The 3-1 cushion was all Sterling Gravens would need as he came in and ended the season for the Bulldawgs.  Gravens pitched one innning striking 2 runners and allowing no runs.         The Panthers advance to Area round of the playoffs and will play the Seagoville Dragons.  The times and sites are still to be determined.  Come out and support our Panthers as they continue their drive toward Austin. Ryan Rodgers Varsity Baseball Assistant Midlothian High School