By Michael Moreci  After losing to South Spencer in the state finals last season, Heritage looks poised to makes waves in the 2A class in 2008. With 13 players returning from last year’s 20-10 squad, the Patriots have the depth and experience to compete come tournament time.
The Patriots’ fortunes will rest heavily on its rotation, which sees all three top arms returning. Anchoring the staff will be senior LHP Zach Schroeder (9-1, 3.03 ERA, 107 SO, 81 IP); he’ll be followed by a tough one-two combo in senior RHP Colton Hissong (6-2, 2.32 ERA) and junior RHP Kyle Harris (4-2, 2.03 ERA). Run scoring is where the Patriots may encounter their most significant difficulties. They’ll rely on a number of juniors, though many of them played an integral role in last season’s success. Junior 2B Corey Snider, who hit .419 last season with 7 doubles, returns as the offense’s centerpiece. When he isn’t pitching, Harris (.314 BA last year) will roam the outfield and contribute his capable bat. Look for junior 3B Nick Rohlf (.278 BA) and sophomore catcher Ryne Lehrman (.333 BA in limited at-bats) to make impacts as well. |