Lebanon baseball trying to fill holes

The Lebanon High School baseball team played for a Division II championship in 2012, but about the only thing the team that took the field Wednesday at Souhegan had in common was the name on the jersey.

The Raiders, who lost to St. Thomas in 4-3 in 10 innings in the title game, returned one player who was in the starting lineup in last year’s championship, and only one other player who saw the field that day.

But despite that, Lebanon (0-1) had its chances in its first game of the season, an 8-3 loss to Souhegan. Down 2-0 for most of the game, the Raiders rallied in the top of the fifth to take a 3-2 lead, but it was short lived, as the Sabers went back ahead in the bottom of the inning.

Still, there was reason for Lebanon coach Doug Ashey to be pleased.

“We told our kids after the game, there was a lot more good than bad out there,” Ashey said. “Young and inexperienced, but you’ve got to compete. We didn’t quite have the knowledge to hold on to (the lead) but I think that’s part of the learning process.”

The Raiders had opportunities to put runs on the board, but some big defensive plays by Souhegan and quality pitching from Seth Learned kept Lebanon off the board. Grayson Hardy, the Raiders’ most experienced pitcher, threw well at times, but didn’t make it out of the fifth inning. Hardy allowed six runs on five hits and three walks in 4 1/3.

“We’re just trying to learn from each one,” Ashey said. “Being in the championship game, to turning the entire team over, it’s a learning process. I think we’ll be all right before it’s over.”

Lebanon will continue the process Monday when the Raiders host Pembroke.