After collecting just one point from their last two games, Hoffenheim made a strong start in their bid to return to winning ways, with Prass netting the all-important opener just shy of the 30-minute mark.
The winger played a slick one-two with Fisnik Asllani to create the space to lash a powerful strike in off the underside of the crossbar, representing the 10th time that Heidenheim have conceded first in 13 home league games.
Matters got worse for the Bundesliga’s basement side when Prass added his and Hoffenheim’s second on the stroke of half-time.
The Austria international latched onto Andrej Kramaric’s through ball, shifted the ball onto his favoured left foot and calmly slotted it through Diant Ramaj’s legs to complete his first brace for the club, which was confirmed once the initial offside decision had been overturned following a lengthy VAR review.
In a bid to ignite a fightback, long-serving Heidenheim boss Frank Schmidt made a double change at the break, but to his dismay, it was the visitors who flew out of the blocks to extend their lead within four minutes of the restart.
Asllani had the simple task of tapping in from Ramaj’s parry to score against Heidenheim for the second time this term.
Boasting a three-goal advantage, Die Kraichgauer appeared to be in cruise control until a long throw into the box created the opening for Luca Kerber to poke in from close range, giving the hosts a lifeline with just under 30 minutes to play.
The comeback appeared to be on when Christian Conteh rifled a fierce shot past Baumann, although those hopes were short-lived as the goal was chalked off for an offside against his brother, Sirlord Conteh.
The spotlight then fell on Tim Lemperle, who turned the ball in from Bazoumana Toure’s squared ball to restore the away side’s three-goal cushion, only to be involved in the hosts’ second goal just six minutes later as Kerber’s near-post header from a corner deflected in off the Hoffenheim substitute.
Kerber’s double ultimately offered little consolation to a Heidenheim side that remains nine points adrift of safety, while the visitors climb up to third spot.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alexander Prass (Hoffenheim)