The Heritage Patriots finally met their match after an undefeated 7-0 start when they went across the state line to play Wayne Trace and were held to just four hits by Carter Clemens, dropping their first game of the season 7-1 to the Raiders.
The only run of the game for the visitors came on a home run in the fifth inning by Landri Linder.
Landon Lybarger started the game on the mound for the Patriots and was hit for eight runs in three-plus innings of work.
Coach Dean Lehrman brought on his ace, Noah Redmon, to stay in the game with no outs in the fourth inning. Redmon did allow an inherited runner to score on a groundout, but he was otherwise outstanding. The righty gave up just one hit and struck out seven of the eleven batters he faced.
Heritage will play at South Adams Tuesday in a crucial game for the Patriots’ ACAC title hopes.