DEAN JACKSON
WZBD.com
FORT WAYNE – Early‑season baseball exposes nerves, timing, and truth. After 47 seasons, Heritage coach Dean Lehrman has seen enough Aprils to know exactly how teams can struggle to get out of the chute.
Game Two of the 2026 season showed a team already in control, as the Patriots handled New Haven 8–0 Tuesday at Parkview Field in the opening game of the PSM Baseball Classic. Lightning halted play after 5⅓ innings, but the outcome was already decided.
“My fear was it’s just game two for us, and this was game eight for them,” Lehrman said. “That’s a high mountain to climb. They are so well coached.”
Heritage climbed it anyway, controlling New Haven 8–0 Tuesday at Parkview Field in the opening game of the PSM Baseball Classic. Lightning halted play after 5⅓ innings, but the outcome was already decided.
The matchup carried decades of familiarity. Lehrman and New Haven coach Dave Bischoff go back to their IPFW playing days, a rivalry built on fundamentals and mutual respect. “Dave gets more out of his kids year in and year out than any other six coaches combined,” Lehrman said.
Heritage (2–0) entered the night young—just three seniors—but unfazed by the venue, the opponent, or the weather rolling in. “Our kids stepped up tonight,” Lehrman said. “They didn’t get nervous from the big venue or tough opponent.”
The night belonged to senior right‑hander Beau Stoppenhagen, who delivered exactly what Heritage needed on both sides of the ball. At the plate, Stoppenhagen went 2‑for‑3 with 2 RBI, a double, and a triple, driving balls to both gaps and setting the tone from the leadoff spot.
On the mound, Stoppenhagen was even better—5⅓ innings, three hits, no runs, one walk, three strikeouts, and just 55 pitches. “Bo was likely the third or fourth option before this year, but now he is our top pitcher,” Lehrman said. “His control, pace, and efficiency stopped the Bulldogs from getting into a rhythm.”
Heritage’s lineup supported him with 10 hits in 25 at‑bats, producing 8 RBI and pressure from every position. Iestyn Roe opened the scoring with a 1‑for‑3 night and an RBI single. Max Mirelez went 2‑for‑3 and launched a two‑run triple into right. Elijah Rauner added a run‑scoring single. Jaxon Feasby delivered a two‑RBI shot down the right‑field line. Brady Boyle added two hits, and Kingston Galentine reached twice and scored twice.
“Max Mirelez really crushed the ball tonight,” Lehrman said. The bottom of the order sealed the win with Feasby’s two‑out, two‑RBI hit.
Heritage backed its pitching with clean defense. “We played good defense,” Lehrman said. “Only one error, and that was a base‑hit advancement on a throw we probably should have never thrown.”
The Patriots return to action Wednesday, facing North Side (0–3) at Carrington Field as their early‑season identity continues to take shape.
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