The Hopedale Blue Raiders booked their trip to the semifinals with a decisive win over Ware on Sunday. Hopedale struck early, plating multiple runs in the opening portion of the game, then rode strong pitching and timely offense to secure the victory. Their starter delivered a complete outing, limiting Ware to a single run while recording several strikeouts to stifle rallies. At the plate, Nate Montville led the offense with multiple hits and runs scored, while Noah Smith delivered an outstanding performance, collecting several hits, extra-base knocks, and driving in a team-high five RBIs. The balanced attack resulted in a dozen hits overall, reflecting Hopedale’s depth and ability to produce at key moments. Next up is a towering challenge: facing an unbeaten Pioneer Valley Regional squad that enters with a perfect record. Hopedale will need to replicate its recent blend of early offense, steady pitching, and opportunistic defense to topple the top seed. Confidence is high after the Ware triumph, but the Raiders know this semifinal matchup demands another peak performance. With everything on the line, Hopedale aims to extend its season by giving Pioneer Valley its first loss.
