By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
LEWISBURG — Lucas Hery pitched four strong innings and kept the base paths clear as the Marshall County Tigers held off Heritage Christian for the 5-3 win in Monday night’s season opener.
Hery got the nod on the bump and tossed a scoreless four innings, while striking out six and allowing just one hit and two walks.
Backing his strong start, the Tigers got on the board in the bottom of the first when Ayden Cook scored on a Hertage error.
Hayden Williams then drove in the second run of the game on a double to deep center field and Reid Mitchell later scored on a dropped third strike to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first.
Marshall County again put the pressure on Heritage in the bottom of the second and put two runners in scoring position.
With two outs, a wild error allowed Cook to score his second run of the game.
The Tigers got a final run in the game off a Kel Hightower single in the bottom of the sixth frame.
Leading 5-0 and their backs against the wall, the Angels rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh, but the Tigers were able to dodge trouble and secure the first win of the season.
Rob Hawkins and Tripp Brandt worked in relief on the mound.
Hawkins pitched 2/3 of an inning, with three walks and a strikeout, while Brandt went 1 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on one hit, while striking out a pair.
The Tigers will be back in action on Tuesday night, traveling to Loretto.
Heritage Christian 000 000 3 — 3 3 2
Marshall Co. 310 001 x — 5 4 3
Marshall Co.: Rob Hawkins 1-for-2, Hayden Williams 1-for-3, Mylan Bell 1-for-2, Kel Hightower 1-for-3.
WP: Hery
LP: Farino