Hall Jr. Shines with Four-Hit Day as Patriots Battle Catawba Valley in Series Finale
MARTINSVILLE, VA – Freshman Josh Hall Jr. (Fr., Lynchburg, Va.) delivered one of his strongest performances of the season Sunday afternoon, but Patrick & Henry Community College came up short against Region 10 contender Catawba Valley Community College, falling 13-5 in the series finale at Hooker Field.
Hall Jr. was a bright spot throughout the afternoon, going 4-for-5 at the plate with a solo home run, double, and two singles. The freshman sparked the Patriots offense from start to finish and continued an impressive weekend showing against one of the conference's top clubs.
Catawba Valley struck first in the second inning, but Patrick & Henry answered in the fourth when Hall Jr. drove a ball to center field for a solo home run, cutting the deficit and energizing the home crowd.
The Patriots continued to compete offensively, collecting 11 hits on the day. Freshman Nolan Grabiec (Fr., Greenville, S.C.) added a two-hit performance, while several Patriots consistently pressured the Red Hawks pitching staff.
The turning point came in the sixth inning when Catawba Valley used a six-run frame to create separation. The Red Hawks capitalized on timely hitting and late momentum swings before adding insurance runs in the closing innings.
Sophomore Landon Finley (So., Kannapolis, N.C.) started on the mound for Patrick & Henry and battled through 3.2 innings, recording four strikeouts.
Despite the result, Patrick & Henry showed fight throughout the contest against one of the top teams in Region 10.
The Patriots now stand at 17-20 overall and 15-16 in Region 10 play as they head into the final stretch of conference action.
Patrick & Henry returns to action on Wednesday, April 22 at 3 p.m., when the Patriots host Guilford Technical Community College in another Region 10 matchup at Hooker Field.
For schedules, stats, and updates, visit phccsports.com.