The Hopkinton Hillers concluded the regular season at 14–7 and carried that momentum straight into the 2025 Pedroli Tournament at Natick High School, where they emerged as champions. In Friday’s opener, Hopkinton edged host Natick 9–8 in a back‐and‐forth affair, then followed with another 9–8 victory over Franklin in an epic eleven‐inning slugfest on Saturday. Those two wins, against quality, playoff‐bound opponents, showcased the Hillers’ offensive depth, resilience, and late‐game composure. Now seeded No. 15 in the Division 2 bracket, Hopkinton will host No. 18 Whitman‐Hanson at home this Sunday at 6 p.m. Whitman‐Hanson finished the season 12–8 but enters the postseason on a cold streak, having dropped four of its last five. By contrast, Hopkinton has averaged over six runs per game across its final contests and boasts a pitching staff that has shown the ability to rebound quickly after high‐scoring affairs. Defensively, the infield has tightened its communication to turn two on the run, and the outfielders have cut down extra‐base hits with aggressive routes and accurate throws. With home‐field advantage, an offense firing on all cylinders, and a battle‐tested pitching rotation, the Hillers are well‐positioned to make a deep playoff run. Their recent tournament triumph has galvanized the roster, and veteran leaders have instilled confidence in younger players. If Hopkinton can continue to execute in clutch spots, a trip to the later rounds is well within reach.
