By Stephen Henderson

The Patrick County High School Cougar baseball team traveled to Christiansburg last Monday and defeated the Blue Demons 4-1. In last Wednesday’s game at home against Halifax, the Cougars fell 5-0.

Monday’s game saw the Cougars jump out to an early lead over Christiansburg. PC scored on a groundout by Evan Hopkins, a groundout by William Wood and a wild pitch in the second inning.

The Demons lead after the first inning, but Cougar senior pitcher Caleb Pendleton pitched a complete game, striking out five batters and allowing only five hits for one run.

Seth Scott, Pendleton, Hopkins, Kristian Ashburn and DH Jared Brown each had a hit to lead the Cougars at the plate.

Wednesday, the Cougars had only three hits in a game that saw the Cougars face one of the best pitchers around. Halifax’s Andrew Abbot has already signed to play at the University of Virginia next year. He struck out 17 Cougar batters in Wednesday’s game.

Evan Hopkins had two hits against Abbot, and Jared Brown had one.

Dylan Phillips took the loss on the mound for the Cougars. He struck out nine Halifax batters pitching the entire game.

“We just couldn’t hit what is probably the best pitcher in our region,” said Coach Eric Renegar.

This week the Cougars played at George Washington Tuesday; they host Floyd today (Wednesday) at 5 p.m. and travel to Tunstall Friday.