SHELBY, NC --  Patrick & Henry Community College opened Region 10 Division II conference play with a 7-5 victory over Cleveland Community College on Friday, taking Game 1 of the three-game weekend series against the Yetis.

P&HCC built a steady lead through the middle innings before Cleveland CC mounted a rally in the sixth. Yetis trimmed a six-run deficit by capitalizing on an error and timely hits, but the Patriots responded with key outs down the stretch to secure the conference win.

The Patriots broke through in the top of the fourth inning. Redshirt freshman Hunter DePriest (Alleghany, VA) ignited the offense with a single down the left field line, and a Cleveland error helped plate two runs to give P&HCC early momentum.

Sophomore Brody Owens (Charlotte, NC) earned the start on the mound and delivered four and one-third strong innings. The right-hander allowed one run on six hits while striking out nine and walking just one. The bullpen worked through late traffic, and the Patriots' defense turned two double plays to help close it out.

P&HCC totaled 11 hits in the contest. Sophomore catcher Dylan Howell (Weston, FL) drove in two runs from the heart of the lineup, while sophomore outfielder Bryson Redmond (Bluefield, WV) led the team with three hits from the nine spot. DePriest added two hits in four at-bats as the Patriots consistently pressured Cleveland's pitching staff.

Head Coach Mason Gary emphasized the importance of starting conference play strong.

"This is a good win for our team to open Region play," Gary said. "Now our job is to reset, refocus, and go get the series win tomorrow."

With the win, P&HCC takes a 1-0 lead in the Region 10 Division II series.

The Patriots will continue conference play on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m. (nine innings), followed by a seven-inning game at 3 p.m.

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