The Hopedale Blue Raiders’ baseball team saw its seven-game winning streak end in a hard-fought 3–1 loss to the Nipmuc Warriors yesterday afternoon. Nipmuc ace Dylan Muccini carried the day, firing six shutout innings with nine strikeouts, stifling Hopedale’s lineup. Just days earlier, Hopedale had improved to 11–5 by blanking Oxford 3–0, thanks to Same Dalpe’s complete-game gem. Dalpe twirled seven innings of two-hit, no–walk ball, while contributing offensively with a 2-for-3 outing. Nate Montville also went 2-for-3, and the Raiders provided Dalpe with three first-inning runs via timely singles and aggressive baserunning. That performance marked the sixth consecutive victory for Hopedale, a stretch that featured three shutouts and two double-digit run games, showcasing both offensive depth and pitching prowess. Looking ahead, Hopedale (11–6) faces its biggest test of the season when it hosts Auburn (15–1) this Friday at 4 PM. The Vikings enter as one of the state’s elite programs, and Friday’s matchup at Hopedale High will be must-see baseball. To compete, the Raiders will need to counter with disciplined at-bats, aggressive defense, and a strong outing from their starting pitcher. A spirited response against Auburn could help Hopedale regain momentum heading into the final weeks of the regular season.
