After winning their opening game against New Haven while school was out of session for Spring Break, the Patriots returned to practice this week with a full squad, ready to regain eligibility and take on the 2025 season.
They did so with a pair of contrasting games, one at Van Wert Thursday and at South Side Friday.
The Cougars were a worthy opponent for coach Lehrman’s team, winning with a pair of runs in the fifth inning in response to Heritage’s only run in the top of the frame.
Landon Lybarger was impressive in his debut, striking out eight over five innings of work and allowing just three hits. He was responsible for both runs allowed in the fifth, but the Patriots could not provide him with any run support.
Eli Rauner threw a scoreless perfect inning of relief of Lybarger.
The Pats only run came when Beau Stoppenhagen walked and took third on a single by Mason Abbott. Eli Rauner then had an infield single to give the away team a short-lived 1-0 lead.
Lybarger led the team with a pair of hits, including the team’s only extra-base hit, a double, in the sixth with two outs.
The Patriots’ fortunes changed, however, in the Friday contest against the SAC’s Archers.
Iestyn Roe tossed the first two innings and was followed by two scoreless innings from Tyler Redmon. Max Mirelez finished off the Archers by striking out the side in the fifth.
Roe helped himself at the plate with two singles, a walk, and two runs scored.
The Patriots were led by Beau Stoppenhagen’s three hits and four RBI.
Heritage will host North Side in their home opener Wednesday.
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