{"id":24975,"date":"2025-04-02T09:58:47","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T13:58:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/?p=24975"},"modified":"2025-04-02T09:58:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T13:58:49","slug":"rauners-team-up-to-give-heritage-opening-day-victory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/02\/rauners-team-up-to-give-heritage-opening-day-victory\/","title":{"rendered":"Rauners team up to give Heritage opening day victory"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>DANE FUELLING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>WZBD.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NEW HAVEN &#8211; Spring Break was no excuse for two East Allen schools Tuesday night as the New Haven Bulldogs hosted the Heritage Patriots on opening day for the two schools and it was the visiting Patriots who survived a late-inning scare to secure a 4-2 victory over their rivals to the north thanks to a combined pitching performance by Cam and Eli Rauner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/01aprHER4NH2wrap.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Z Team wraps up the broadcast of opening day for the Heritage Patriots.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apiland.net\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/API_Small.bmp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18308\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0095.jpg?resize=640%2C424&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0095.jpg?resize=1024%2C678&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0095.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0095.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0095.jpg?resize=1536%2C1017&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0095.jpg?resize=2048%2C1356&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0095.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0095.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Cam Rauner delivers a pitch in Tuesday&#8217;s game at New Haven. Rauner scored the W with five shutout innings. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Cam Rauner overcame some early wildness to strand runners in the bottom of the first and only allowed one bunt single in five innings of shutout work to lead the Patriots as the starter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/01aprWeirdCatch.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Caiden Rowland makes a juggling catch and then secures the last out of the fourth inning against Heritage. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0098.jpg?resize=640%2C424&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0098.jpg?resize=1024%2C678&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0098.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0098.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0098.jpg?resize=1536%2C1017&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0098.jpg?resize=2048%2C1356&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0098.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0098.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Cam Rauner awaits a pitch from Braeden Deyer in the fourth inning. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Eli Rauner came into the game to start the sixth and got the heart of the order out in just eight pitches to preserve a 3-0 lead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"133\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Classic-Die-Services-Logo-PDG.jpg?resize=640%2C133&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Classic-Die-Services-Logo-PDG.jpg?resize=1024%2C213&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Classic-Die-Services-Logo-PDG.jpg?resize=300%2C62&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Classic-Die-Services-Logo-PDG.jpg?resize=768%2C159&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Classic-Die-Services-Logo-PDG.jpg?w=1161&amp;ssl=1 1161w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That lead came on a third-inning sacrifice fly off the bat of leadoff hitter Lucas Taylor and it was Taylor who had the biggest hit of the game in the fifth inning, scoring Corbin Saalfrank and Jaxon Feasby with a hit through the right side of the infield to put the visitors up 3-0. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beau Stoppenhagen used his speed to take advantage of two New Haven errors to add an insurance run in the top of the seventh and the Patriots needed it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0100.jpg?resize=640%2C424&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0100.jpg?resize=1024%2C678&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0100.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0100.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0100.jpg?resize=1536%2C1017&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0100.jpg?resize=2048%2C1356&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0100.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0100.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Garrett Oliver leads off from first after drawing a walk as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After Eli Rauner made the defensive play of the game, diving toward first base from the mound to catch a liner, the Bulldogs finally got their first string of hits. Nic Gebert had a pinch-hit RBI single to turn the lineup over to leadoff hitter Cordell Roberson with two on, but Roberson popped up and Max Mirelez made a great play pressed against the netting behind home plate to record the second out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"362\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Business-Card-2024.jpg?resize=640%2C362&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Business-Card-2024.jpg?resize=1024%2C579&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Business-Card-2024.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Business-Card-2024.jpg?resize=768%2C434&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Business-Card-2024.jpg?w=1039&amp;ssl=1 1039w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>CJ Roberson knocked in another NH run with an infield single and the Bulldogs drew a walk to load the bases, but Eli got Brayden Kunberger to pop the ball up to right field to seal the game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0096.jpg?resize=640%2C424&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0096.jpg?resize=1024%2C678&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0096.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0096.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0096.jpg?resize=1536%2C1017&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0096.jpg?resize=2048%2C1356&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0096.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0096.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Eli Rauner plays in on the grass in anticipation of a bunt from the Bulldogs. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Patriots won the game despite just three hits, but considering it was the first game of the season and much of the team was gone on spring break, coach Dean Lehrman could not complain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/01aprHeritageCoach.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Heritage head coach Dean Lehrman discusses his team&#8217;s performance and his attitude toward spring break with his team. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0102.jpg?resize=640%2C424&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0102.jpg?resize=1024%2C678&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0102.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0102.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0102.jpg?resize=1536%2C1017&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0102.jpg?resize=2048%2C1356&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0102.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0102.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Coach Lehrman holds the scorebook as he looks on from the dugout. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/01aprPostGameAnalysis.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Dane Fuelling and Mike Macke discuss Heritage&#8217;s victory over New Haven in the postgame show. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Patriots hope that the weather will cooperate this weekend for a contest against Wayne Trace on Saturday. They&#8217;ll open up at home Tuesday against South Side. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DANE FUELLING WZBD.com NEW HAVEN &#8211; Spring Break was no excuse for two East Allen schools Tuesday night<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":24976,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[44,15,51,26],"class_list":["post-24975","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports","tag-baseball","tag-featured","tag-heritage","tag-sports"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC_0099.jpg?fit=2464%2C1632&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24975"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24975\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24995,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24975\/revisions\/24995"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24976"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}