By Peter Sblendorio

Staff Writer

Photo by Frances Ruiz

The 2009 Cowboys baseball team was unable to live up to their expectations of being ranked first overall in the state last season, as they were eliminated from the state playoffs after the first round.

One year later, Coppell was able to do what they could not the year before in beating Grapevine in the first round of the postseason to move on to round two.

Coppell won the best of three series in two games, with the clinching game coming on Friday night at Grapevine 2-0. Junior starting pitcher Sam Swinton was exceptional in his first career playoff start on varsity, going all seven innings without allowing a run.

Coppell beat Grapevine 9-6 on Thursday night in Game 1 as well, making a third and deciding game unnecessary for the Cowboys to move on. Had a third game been needed, Coppell would have had home field advantage.

The Cowboys were able to earn two commanding wins on the road in the series, making their series win all the more impressive.

Coppell will play South Grand Prairie next week in their second round matchup.