Columbia City and Heritage engaged in a pitchers’ dual throughout Wednesday’s home opener, but it was a three-spot by the visiting Eagles in the top of the sixth that separated the two teams at the end of the night.
The Patriots threw their ace against one of the NE8’s top teams and Danica Fuller did not disappoint, going the distance and striking out five.
The story of the game, however, was Emma Hiss. The Eagles hurler was superb, striking out 16 batters and smashing a home run to score all three runs in the game. Up to that point, Hiss had only allowed a single to Grace Guenthner early in the game.
The home team attempted a rally in the bottom of the sixth after Corinne Bowers reached on a bunt, with Libby Cain putting two runners in scoring position with a double to right for Guenthner with two outs, but the senior popped up to second on the first pitch to end the chance.
Hiss struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh to pick up the win.
The Patriots are back in action tonight (Thursday) against New Haven.