By Stephen Henderson

In a back-and-forth baseball game last Monday, the Patrick County High School Cougars defeated the North Stokes Vikings 9-6.

The game was tied 6-6 in the bottom of the fifth inning when Austin Vernon hit a home run to drive in three runs and take the lead 9-6.

The Cougars took an early lead when Jared Brown singled and drove in one run.

North Stokes scored four runs in the third inning to move ahead 4-3 at the end of the inning.

Dylan Phillips claimed the win on the mound for the Cougars, pitching the last four innings. He allowed two runs, five hits and struck out four Vikings. Caleb Pendleton started out on the mound for PC.

The Cougars had 10 hits in the game. Jared Brown and Evan Hopkins each had multiple hits. Austin Vernon’s homer drove in three runs.

This week, the Cougars traveled to Martinsville Tuesday and will host George Washington of Danville Friday.